As the sun broke over Junee, 200 people silently bowed their heads at the dawn service as the Last Post sounded across Broadway. The cooler weather did not deter early risers wishing to pay their respects, with many making a second pilgrimage to Broadway to watch the march and morning service.

Around 1000 people lined the streets of Junee to appluad the marching returned service men, women and their descendents, who proudly wore their medals and sprigs of rosemary.

As the main ceremony got under way, a silence took hold as residents listened with close attention to Junee RSL sub-branch president Ken Passlow and guest speaker, Junee Legacy president Chris Maloney.

Explaining the importance of Legacy and what it does, Mr Maloney said it was still surprising many people still did not understand the importance of Legacy and the role it played in today’s world.

“We never really get a chance to explain it to the public about the need for Legacy,” Mr Maloney said.

“A lot of people don’t know what it’s about.

“It’s a great opportunity for us. The war might be over, but it’s ongoing.”

To give an understanding of how many Australian’s rely on the organisation as a stronghold, Mr Maloney said there were over 115,000 widows and 1900 children who currently used the service.

And with a further 2200 service men and women currently serving overseas, sadly more people will seek Legacy’s help in the future.

He said what many people didn’t realise was that many of the widows and dependents of Diggers suffered and sacrificed a lot as well.

“Goodness only knows what they went throught, silently suffering,” he said.

By the end of the ceremony, the cenotaph was covered in wreaths laid by numerous community organisations, students and individuals, some with personal notes of rememberance for lost loved ones.

Junee RSL sub-branch president Ken Passlow said the attendance number at this year’s service was overwhelming and very pleasing to see.