Following a huge turnout to the Dawn Service on Wednesday morning, that number appeared to treble by the time the main ceremony began at the town’s Cenotaph.

The parade, featuring community groups, emergency services, light horsemen, returned servicemen and women, school students and many more, received applause and cheers from the big crowd of onlookers along Market and Bridge streets.

The sight certainly impressed guest speaker WOMT John Menhenick, RAN.

“This is great,” he said.

“It’s easily one of the best I’ve seen.

“And, it’s terrific the local residents support the occasion so much.

“Congratulations to everyone involved, from Muswellbrook RSL Sub-Branch president Greg Cole to MC and parade marshal Detective Chief Inspector Tim Seymour.

“I’m honoured to be here today.”

Mr Cole was also a happy man.

“I’m led to believe we had 800 people at the Dawn Service,” he said.

“That’s easily one of our biggest crowds [for some time]; and it’s flowed on from there.

“It’s a proud day to be an Australian.

“I’m delighted with the way everything fell into place, including the fly-over – courtesy of Pays Air Services – during the ceremony.

“Although it all went smoothly, we’ll look at making a few changes next year.”

Another highlight was the group of Muswellbrook High School pupils, who performed the old Redgum classic, I Was Only 19, during the wreath-laying ceremony.