Thousands of people gathered around the cenotaph in Victoria Park this morning in a touching Anzac Day dawn service.
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The large crowd spilt out over the Darling Street road as locals came together from 5.45am to reflect on the spirit of the ANZAC with pride and honour.
Dubbo RSL Sub-Branch president, Tom Gray, said he was moved by the dawn service.
“It was very solemn, very nice, very quiet,” he said.
“I thought the turnout was very, very good, I couldn’t believe it.
“There was even people over on the Darling Street road, all around the cenotaph and I’d say at least 20 to 30 people deep in front of the service.”
Dubbo’s Scottish Pipe Band lifted chests as they escorted the light horses onto the parade area alongside existing and ex serving members of Australian defence forces.
Mr Gray addressed the crowd and reflected on what Anzac Day means for Australians.
He acknowledged the extraordinary act of self-sacrifice made by Australians for Australians to ensure they had the freedom they have today.
“This is what the ANZAC spirit is about,” he said.
“It is the heart, the very essence of our nation.
“But it is about sadness, and grief for young lives cut short and dreams left unfulfilled.
“It is about the horror and carnage of war.
“Ceremonies held all over the country send out a very clear and strong message to me, and that is to try by all means possible, to avoid war and conflict in the future.”
Mr Gray went on to recognise the brave men and women who continue to represent the country.
“No Australian is left untouched when a member of our defence force is killed in action,” he said.
“It is difficult to comprehend the grief associated with the loss at war of a parent, partner, child or sibling.
“Let us ensure that we remember the families.
“They gave their tomorrow for our today.
“We will remember them.”