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ABOUT 10,000 people turned out to Bendigo's Anzac Day centenary dawn service at Bendigo's Charing Cross this morning.
A ceremonial group of soldiers and nurses dressed in traditional WWI attire were the first to arrive at the cenotaph, followed by Bendigo District RSL sub branch president Cliff Richards who led the traditional march.
"Because of Anzac centenary we knew (crowd numbers) would increase," Mr Richards said after the service.
"It overwhelms me, a 10th of the Bendigo population has turned up to the dawn service.
"It was just super from Anzac Eve and just flowing on now. I've had emotional and excited feedback. It has been a really emotional journey the past few weeks."
During the service, Mr Richards laid a wreath and gave the Anzac Day address about Australia's first major military contribution to war as a nation.
"By the end of that fateful day, 2000 young Australians would be dead from that devastating baptism of fire," he said.
"We should never forget the deeds, courage, fortitude and tenacity of these original Anzacs.
"The manner in which the Anzacs bore the front of the fighting in the Dardanelles and on the Western Front stirred Australians everywhere, there was a feeling of camaraderie, a feeling that matched the way in which the rest of the world suddenly began to look at Australia, not just as an offshoot of Britain but an independent nation.
"In this century we pause to reflect on the spirit of the Anzac, a legacy they have left us."
Mr Richards also honoured those Australians who sacrificed their lives and had given their service in wars since.
"Importantly, we must not forget today's veterans, the young men and women who have returned from duty from places like Rwanda, Iraq, Afghanistan, Solomon Islands and East Timor," he said.
"Anzac Day is a day to remember all men and women of the Australian defence forces regardless of the time and place they served."
The dawn service concluded with The Ode and the Last Post.