The dawn service, held at 6am, continues to grow.

Running proceedings for the first time, Lithgow RSL sub-branch's John Williams said it continued to impress him.

"We are very proud to have so many here today," he said.

As the sun broke over the horizon, the Last Post was played and people paid their respects to those who had given their lives in service during war time.

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At 10.30am, people lined Lithgow's Main Street to watch a huge procession of veterans, school students, emergency service personnel, emergency vehicles and restored military vehicles as they marched to Queen Elizabeth Park for the 11am Anzac Day service.

"Seeing so many people here today, it's magic" were the words of Mr Williams who opened the ceremony and welcomed crowds to the main service.

"It pleases me to see so many of you here today, we are gathered here to honour the memory of those gallant men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to their country," he said.

St Patrick's Parish priest Father Garry McKeown followed with an opening prayer and said "may the Anzac spirit live on in us and the generations to come".

There was a special visit from Captain Matthew Carroll to make the address, who has been serving in the Royal Australian Navy for 35 years.

"We gather here to mark Anzac Day 2019 and to pause and reflect on those who sacrificed.

"It also gives us an opportunity to consider a broader Anzac Day, to take pride in the contribution our defence force takes on a world stage.

"We have over 2000 defence members across the world, there are still a lot of operations that take them away from their families so they can protect our peace," he said.

Captain Carroll said it was important to honour and show gratitude to the servicemen and their families who support them in their darkest times.

He was also impressed with the positive turnout at both Lithgow ceremonies.

Lithgow City mayor Ray Thompson said the day was to remember those who served in the great war who didn't return.

"We remember those who left their families to protect our freedom, may all their sacrifices never be forgotten, lest we forget."

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