They came in their thousands, moving quietly through the darkness, some with babies in arms or toddlers perched on shoulders, some trying to squeeze a few more drops from their takeaway coffee cup.
It was 5am, and both sides of the train station at Sutherland were filling quickly as people, who had risen well before dawn, came to honour the men and women who have served their country in military conflict, many of them making the ultimate sacrifice.
Hundreds gathered at Club on East (formerly Sutherland United Services Club) to march across the narrow rail bridge to the war memorial.
The number of young people – students representing their schools, Scouts and members of other youth organisations – stood out.
Thousands more waited in Peace Park for the parade to arrive.
Total attendance may have been more than 4000.
The service included readings by Jannali High School student leaders, further moving words by Rev Ron Harding, former minister at St John’s Anglican Church, Sutherland, who is now retired, hymns and the placing of wreaths and other gifts on the memorial.
Most people present would probably have had a special person or persons in mind as the Ode was recited and the Last Post sounded.
Afghanistan veteran Alex Richardson, of Sutherland, said, for him, Anzac Day was a time to remember his mates from the eight years he served in the Army.
“Some are still there, others have left the Army,” he said.
“I lost a couple. It’s a day to have a beer for them.”
John Stewart, of Jannali, said his father Daniel died on Anzac Day in 1996, “and I have marched for him ever since”.
Former national servicemen Bruce Watson of Kirrawee, Tom Nadin, of Jannali and Jim McSweeney, of Loftus marched alongside Paul Hornby, the son of the late Frank Hornby, who was also a national serviceman.
Troy Bernardi, of Jannali, marched for his great grandfather Patrick King, who fought in both WW1 and WW11 and won two Military Medals for bravery, and also for his father who served in the Army.
The sun was well and truly up as the crowd quietly dispersed.