THOUSANDS of people lined Cairns streets to applaud war veterans of conflicts ranging from World War II to Iraq, during yesterday's Anzac Parade.

And close to 2000 braved the early morning to turn up to the dawn service, with organisers estimating it was one of the largest crowds they had seen.

"It's magnificent to see so many people here, especially so many younger people and school children," Cairns RSL sub branch committee's Ray Hartman told The Weekend Post.

"Especially as the ranks of the veterans thin out over the years."

As the Anzac Day parade wound its way from the Esplanade to Munro Martin Park to be addressed by Mayor Val Schier, the sounds of the pipe, brass and drum bands were almost drowned out by the thousands of people, both young and old, cheering.

Personnel from HMAS Cairns, 51 Regiment and Townsville airbase attended the services, accompanied by cadets, school children, pipe and drums bands and of course the veterans.

For many, it was a time to reflect and mourn mates who had fallen in combat or have died since.

But for others such as former Special Air Service Regiment Vietnam veteran Andy Nucifora and his son Michael, who returned from Iraq only weeks ago, it was a chance to catch up.

"It's good to see him, it’s great to spend the day like this," said Andy Nucifora, who served with SASR in Vietnam in 1967.

"Of course I'm proud of him, very proud of him."

Cairns RSL sub-branch president Peter Turner told crowds at the dawn service that Australia's proud history of rising to the challenge when it was needed, made people realise the importance of Anzac Day.

"The dawn service is an uniquely Australian tradition," he said.

"We do this to remember the people that had paid the supreme sacrifice."

As the final strains of Reveille hung over the pre-dawn Esplanade, Able Seaman Lloyd Maise said he could reflect on a job well done on the most solemn of occasions.

"It's certainly a real honour," he said.

Share this article