Hundreds, young and old, honour Anzacs at Creswick

High spirits resonated throughout the crowd as soft voices chimed the hymn "Be Still My Soul".

PHOTOS: Creswick Anzac Day service

Creswick RSL president Michael Clark said this year's turnout had been, "magic".

Mr Clark believed the crowd was at least double that of last year because many young people were more aware of the parade. 

He had attended three schools leading up to Anzac Day to speak to them about the history and nature of the Anzac spirit. 

 "It's obvious that Anzac Day is the event of the year like no other that brings the community and the nation together."

During his speech Mr Clark paid tribute to the servicemen currently serving overseas.

"The war in Afghanistan has continued on and this year we have lost loved ones in the service of their country," he said.

Mr Clark said the ceremony had followed a successful dawn service with an overwhelming turnout of more than 600 people. 

"This morning there was a thick fog that covered the dawn service and it was eerie and spectacular at the same time. 

One by one people were appearing from the fog, and I could imagine that our diggers were in a similar environment during the war."

Jack Sewell, 88, a well decorated veteran of the Airforce who fought in World War II can boast Anzac of the Year, a Meritory Service Medal and an Order of Australia Medal.

He looked on with pride with a handful of his fellow veterans at the overwhelming number of young people attending the ceremony. 

"We love the kids coming each year, they keep us alive. Five or six of my grandchildren make an effort to come every year," Mr Sewell said.

President of the Creswick Light Horse Troop, Gary Chandler said this year's crowds were the best he had seen in 20 years. 

Creswick's Light Horse Troop boasts 39 units - the largest in the country. 

There is high demand for Mr Chandler's horsemen on Anzac Day, with larger parades like Melbourne and Warrnambool who book for as many as five horses. 

Nonetheless Creswick parade featured a proud display of 15 horses. 

Mr Chandler said if there had been enough horses he would be riding alongside his troop rather than marching.

david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au