Moving tributes and military sights have filled the centre of Dubbo as thousands commemorated Anzac Day.
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People of all ages turned out to the city’s cenotaph on Tuesday morning more than a century after Australian soldiers landed on the beaches of Gallipoli.
Veterans were given pride of place at the service that honoured all armed forces past and present.
Light rain fell during the morning but did not deter a community from gathering to remember the Anzac landings that marked Australia’s first major engagement in World War One.
Hymns and prayers were offered up and eyes turned to the skies when the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) conducted a flypast.
The C-130J Hercules transport aircraft roared past right on schedule, its noise reverberating through Victoria Park below.
Group Captain Francis Grigson of the RAAF gave the Anzac address, saying he was glad to see the numbers of people who had turned out to both services on the day.
He said in a nation’s history, great events were distinguished by the quality of human endeavour when called on, by the examples they created to ordinary men and women, and the legends they inspired.
“So it is with Anzac Day that we meet, not to glorify war… but to remember those who have served our country during times of conflict and crisis,” he told the crowd.
“And to reflect upon their selfless sacrifice.
“Anzac Day is more than a national holiday, it is a fundamental Australian tradition.
“Giving time to reflect on the quality of the past generations of Australians who in hardship displayed courage, discipline, self-sacrifice, self-reliance, resourceful and importantly, mateship.”
Earlier crowds of people lined the streets as the Anzac Day march took place from the Dubbo RSL Club to the Cenotaph via Macquarie Street.
Veterans led the march followed by descendents of members of the armed forces, and school and community groups, stepping out to music provided by bands.