THE magnificent Anzac Day services across Bathurst on Saturday were replicated right across Australia – and in many places overseas as well. They all provided a fitting tribute to the thousands of men and women who have served their nation over the past 100 years.

Thousands of Bathurstians gathered at the War Memorial Carillon at dawn to offer their quiet respects in an eerie, solemn service.

And thousands more were there mid-morning for the region’s main Anzac Day service.

The sea of faces included people of all ages and backgrounds who all wanted to say ‘thank you’. And they heard moving addresses from mayor Gary Rush and Rear Admiral Tony Dalton.

The day was not just a commemoration, but also an education for many.

Newspapers, radio and television had saturation coverage of the Gallipoli landing and the terrible conditions our diggers endured throughout the campaign.

There were also stories from other Australian campaigns overseas and tales of bravery in all theatres of war.

More than ever, those of us who have never seen war were drawn into those battles for just a glimpse of that awful world.

It might be another hundred years before an Anzac Day is again met with such anticipation, but the inspiration so many young people took from Saturday’s services will continue to reap benefits.

It was a wonderful day and a wonderful tribute.

Lest we forget.