A carpet of red poppies flowed up the stairs to the Carillon, the glass doors completely covered with wreaths laid during the earlier dawn service.

In the lead-up to the sombre ceremony, the Macquarie Male Singers belted out wartime favourites like Pack Up Your Troubles and It’s A Long Way To Tipperary. 

Rows of children waving Australian flags gathered behind a banner that read “The Spirit of Anzac. Our Children – Our Future”, while old men reached out to their mates, shaking hands, laughing, remembering. 

The Scots School Pipe Band led the Anzac Day parade down Russell Street, the crowd cheering as the old diggers arrived in open cars and on foot.

Veterans and emergency service personnel followed, with Scouts and Girl Guides bringing up the rear.

Bathurst RSL Sub Branch president David Mills spoke of how we remember not only those who served, but those on the home front – those who provided morale, materials and support.

“Their service was no less,” he said.

“Wherever there are Australians and New Zealanders across the world today there will be an Anzac Day service, for Anzac Day is not just a remote campaign but a spirit.

“The Anzac spirit rests in each and every one of us.

“Let’s be guided by that spirit as we face those issues that challenge us. Let us be worthy of the sacrifice made on our behalf.”

Bathurst mayor Gary Rush said looking across the number of people at the service to Kings Parade and Bathurst Courthouse was one of those special sights. 

“There is no more fitting place to commemorate those who served our country,” he said.

“As we know, in 1915 the Anzac spirit began on the shores of Gallipoli. Some paid the ultimate sacrifice, and those who survived went on to the Western Front.

“We reflect on the impact those battles had on our country. But the great thing that came out of those battles was the obvious freedom we now have. 

“I am pleased to say that wherever I go on a daily basis, you see the Anzac spirit on display in this city – a determination never to give up.

“I think that’s what being an Australian means.”

St Stanislaus’ College student and head prefect  Simon Slack-Smith told the gathering that every year his school remembers ex-students who served and died, giving a roll call of the 48 fallen men. 

“Those we honour have left behind a tradition of courage and selflessness,” Simon said.

Following the service, Mr Mills said it was estimated there were at least 5000 people in attendance.

Admiral Tony Dalton was a special guest at Bathurst’s Anzac Day commemoration for the fifth time this year.

He said the crowd seems to grow each year.

Admiral Dalton said Anzac Day was a unifying experience whether people were old Australians or new Australians. 

“We’ve all faced conflict. This is a healthy way of putting that conflict into context,” he said.