Thousands of people flocked into the city to pay their respects to service men and women at a number services held across the city on Wednesday.

The dawn service attracted thousands of people to the Bathurst War Memorial Carillon at 4.30am, while the march and commemoration service at 10.45am attracted even more.

Bathurst RSL Sub Branch president David Mills led the commemoration service and spoke of the courage, endurance and sacrifice paid by those who served and those who stayed at home.

“More and more, the people who are left behind are the ones who pick up the broken bodies, that provide support for a service man or woman that’s been wounded,” he said.

“The wounds just don’t go away, they can be there for life, and their pain the supreme sacrifice for the rest of lives.”

The youth of Bathurst played a big part in the march and also the commemoration service.

Marchers were led by the Combined Schools Marching Band which included students from government, independent and Catholic primary and high schools across Bathurst, while other students marched with their school.

Mr Mills said including the city’s youth was a key factor in the Anzac Day services.

MacKillop College captain Daisy Pike delivered the commemoration address.

“We want to impart to the community the spirit of Anzac and the best way to do that is through the youth and the best people to talk to other young people about the spirit of Anzac is young people,” Mr Mills said.

“They come up with the most profound statements and their way of seeing what Anzac is.

“It’s just about how vibrant they speak and how they can annunciation the message of Anzac.”

Bathurst RSL Sub Branch chaplain Reverend Howard Knowles led the crowd in commemoration and prayer.

For the first time the dogs and inmates from Bathurst Jail, who are part of the Corrective Services NSW’s Defence Community Dogs, were included in the march and commemoration services.

“PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder] is a real issue for veterans, the dog program is proven that dogs are the way and a panacea for some of the issues,” Mr Mills said.

“They are a life saver and if you were to talk to some of the veterans who get them [the dogs] they certainly are live savers.”