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THOUSANDS OF people lined King's Parade on Friday to remember the courage displayed and sacrifices made by those who have served our country.
Rounds of applause rang out as diggers marched to the Bathurst War Memorial Carillon for the Citizen's Commemoration Service.
A welcome was extended by RSL Sub Branch president David Mills, before Bathurst Mayor Gary Rush opened the service.
"Today we remember those young men who scaled the cliffs at Gallipolli and all those Australians who have served around the world since then," Mr Mills said.
He said Anzac Day was about honouring those who had served Australia, for their sense of duty, their fighting spirit and the appalling conditions they had to overcome.
"We especially honour those who have given their lives in service of our great country."
When he addressed the crowds, Cr Rush thanked those men and women who had paid the ultimate sacrifice throughout World War I and all the conflicts since.
He also thanked those at the service who had served our nation so admirably and bravely to defend our freedom.
"I hope there are two words you keep hearing throughout today," he said. "I hope you hear those two words that embody the Anzac spirit, thanks mate."
Cr Rush said it was an important time to pause and reflect on the Anzac spirit, which was typified by mate ship, courage, determination and personal sacrifice.
"A spirit that commenced in the darkness before dawn on this day 99 years ago, which by the end of the day saw 2000 Anzacs lay down their lives in fighting for our nation."
"This spirit...guides us to where we are today and the recognition of the great value we place of freedom and peace."
Cr Rush said he was pleased to see so many young people in the crowd and noted it was important that the Anzac spirit remains with us now and into the future.
Throughout the service prayers were offered by the Reverend Howard Knowles that peace may come to all humankind and the commemorative address was presented by Denison College Kelso High campus school captain Zachery Baker.
The large crowd stood to attention during the Last Post and sang the Australian national anthem with great pride.
Among them was Rear Admiral Tony Dalton, who was representing the Royal Australian Navy.
Rear Admiral Dalton said it was a great privilege to be able to commemorate Anzac Day with local servicemen and women and to see the Bathurst community support them.
"This is my third time at a Bathurst service and it is just fantastic to see such great community support for Anzac Day," he said.
"Bathurst itself contributed a lot to the Anzac Legend and quite a huge portion of men from Bathurst have served their country."
At the end of the service Mr Mills said it was wonderful to see so many people come out to remember Australia's service men and women.
"To the citizens of Bathurst thank you for participating in this service to remember those who made it possible for us to do so in peace."
