BEFORE the sun rose last Friday morning, hundreds of locals and visitors had filled Mafeking Square to attend Bright's annual ANZAC Day dawn service at the clocktower.

A division of soldiers from Bandiana were in attendance to participate in the dawn and main service to represent the past and present local and nation-wide soldiers who have fought for our country in the name of peace.

“We had two very good services on the day,” president of the Bright RSL sub-branch, Philip Keegan said.

“The weather was fantastic and both events ran smoothly, thanks to all the RSL members and volunteers who helped in the lead up to ANZAC Day.

“There’s too many people to thank to put a name to.”

The morning service was held at 10.50am, after the march led by student representatives, with a crowd of more than 1000 people watching on.

Bob Spencer, OBE, chaplain of the Bright RSL sub-branch, delivered a prayer for all those affected by war.

Judy Moore from the Bright RSL, who in the past year had recovered records of two local nurses who served overseas during wartime - Lt Colonel Helena Elizabeth Monica McMahon and Sister Florence Maud Howitt - spoke about the important role nurses play during conflicts.

Before the minute silence, Jeremy O’Sullivan performed the Last Post on the bugle, followed by the Reveille.

Following the morning's service, light refreshments were held at the RSL Hall in Camp Street.