AS DAWN broke over Wagga's "Home of the Soldier" on Anzac Day, so too did a day of reflection on the past and a celebration of the future.
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Held for the first time at the picnic area - just near the entrance of the the Kapooka Army Recruit Training Centre (ARTC) - Friday morning's dawn service was more accessible to the general public than ever before.
See photos from Kapooka here.
And, in a fitting tribute, current recruits will take to the parade ground at 10am for a march out which signals the end of 80 days of training.
As the sound of the Last Post cut through the crisp morning air, at least a thousand soldiers, army base staff and civilians stopped to pay their respect.
Side by side they stood together to observe two minutes silence.
In his address, ARTC Commandant, Colonel Stephen Jobson, spoke of the need to stand for all those who served in ways of varying magnitude.
"Gallipoli is important because it was our first major combat action in our first global war," Colonel Jobson said.
"But Gallipoli and Anzac Cove, whilst being the catalyst for Anzac Day in the first place is not the whole story.
"Anzac Day is about remembering the Australian and New Zealand service men and women who served our country, who stood on the wall, who kept the faith, who stood for all of their countrymen and especially who gave their lives."
Colonel Jobson spoke of "truly inspirational" heroism, courage that was without question and a legend that has inspired generations of Australians.
"Their sacrifice was the ultimate act of selflessness and we'll never forget them," he said.
"The men and women who served before us have died in many places, in many ways and in many wars, missions, deployments, exercises or other circumstance.
"But their service, their values, their deeds and their death are no different to those brave and glorious charges at Anzac Cove - they own just as much the legend of Anzac."