A POIGNANT dawn service kick started Leeton shire's Anzac Day commemorations on Saturday.
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Close to 1000 residents turned out for the early-morning event, with some even bringing small candles in teacups to pay their respects to the fallen.
A march down Pine Avenue to the cenotaph started the service, which was led by RSL Sub-branch president John Power, Leeton Shire Council mayor Paul Maytom and the Leeton Pipe Band.
Also taking part in the march was returned servicemen, representatives from schools, including a large contingent Yanco Agricultural High School.
William Ingram gave a welcome to country after Mr Power asked residents to remember the sacrifice made by Indigenous people during times of war.
Ian Kirby played the didgeridoo, while Natalie Power read a poem that outlined the work of the women’s auxiliary during and after conflicts.
Mr Power encouraged all residents to remember the supreme sacrifice made by those in the armed forces, including at Gallipoli 100 years ago.
Vietnam War veteran Geoff Dartnell read the poem In Flanders Field by John McCrae before the Last Post was played by Ian Bull.
A minute silence was held as dawn broke over Leeton, with the town promising to “Lest We Forget”.