Future Anzac day services across Dungog seem to be in good hands with young residents impressing the area's ex-servicemen and women during this year's events.
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With more than 350 people attending Dungog's main service, there was a strong contingent of young people who also came to pay their respects.
Dungog RSL Sub-Committee President Neil Tickle said their attendance reinforced the fact that the Anzac memory will continue to be honoured in the town.
Mr Tickle was impressed by the behaviour and maturity of students who spoke at the ceremony.
"They came up and said thank you for doing what I did and I was really impressed," he said.
"It fills you with confidence that there are kids out there that can do this sort of stuff, it makes the future look good because they're the ones who will be standing where I'm standing as adults and that makes me feel really good."
Communities across Dungog Shire paused to reflect and remember their veterans on Anzac Day.
Dungog, Clarence Town and Paterson residents started the day early with a dawn service at 5.30am with Clarence Town also holding a march to the town's cenotaph.
Dungog and Gresford both held their main ceremonies at 10.30am.
Dungog's main service began with a march from the post office on Dowling Street to the RSL Club.
The march was accompanied by the roar of a RAAF F35 Lightning jet performing a flyover and leaving the crowd stunned.
President of the Dungog RSL Sub-Committee Neil Tickle was entertained watching the look on peoples faces as the jet screamed across the sky.
"I don't know what I enjoyed most, the sight and sound of the jet going over or the looks on the faces of the people that didn't know it was going to happen," he said.
"It symbolises the new Australian Defence Force, that's the way I look at it."
In particular Mr Tickle was impressed with the squad of US Air Force members who are working with a squadron at the RAAF Base Williamtown in an exchange program.
"I think it was one of the best main services we've had," he said.
"The service went like clockwork and there was a huge crowd. The thing that impressed me the most was the contribution from the Air Force, including all the US Air Force that were here as well.
"They're working with the two-squadron people [who attended the Dungog Anzac Day service] on the Wedgetail aircraft, an early warning aircraft. They're here for three years on an exchange program."
Angus Michie
Angus Michie is a reporter with the Dungog Chronicle. He has an interest in community and council reporting.
Angus Michie is a reporter with the Dungog Chronicle. He has an interest in community and council reporting.
