A record crowd of about 350 people, both young and old, gathered at the town hall to pay homage to past and present service men and women.

The Eaglehawk Citizens Brass Band played a number of traditional hymns and was accompanied by the Sing Australia Choir. 

Eaglehawk resident Betty McDonald attended the service in honour of father, who served in World War II in Darwin and on Horn Island.

Ms McDonald said she was only three years old when her father left home for the war. 

“You just accepted it and got on with life,” she said.

“When he returned he never talked about it.

“I think he was disappointed because he wanted to go overseas.”

Two years ago Ms McDonald travelled to Horn Island to get an understanding of what the war was like for her father.

“It was a really special experience to learn about what he did,” she said.

“I never truly understood until then.”

Ms McDonald’s daughter Robyn Doubleday accompanied her on the trip and said the experience was “moving”.

“I was only young when my grandfather passed away,” she said.

“Going to Horn Island and standing in the bunkers he had made gave me a way to connect with him.

“It was really nice feeling and something I will never forget.”

For Steven and Nicole Ryan, Anzac Day is about teaching their three children about the sacrifices made by war veterans. 

“Anzac Day is a good reminder for all of us, especially our children to learn about the past,” Mr Ryan  said. “We want them to know about the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.”