Mr Bone served in the Australian Navy for 25 years, retiring in 2013.

He was the guest speaker at the town’s service.

Mr Bone said Anzac Day and the chance to speak at the dawn service meant everything to him.

“Anzac Day represents us as a nation, it represents our freedom and our lifestyle,” he said.

“It’s a chance for reflection.

“Anzacs deserve remembrance and one this day each year, we gather to commemorate not just the Anzacs but all the other men and women who have served.

“We gather to remind ourselves who we are.”

The town’s brass band played the National Anthem at the dawn service, and Nhill RSL president Henry Barry read The Ode.

Mr Bone said even though he had retired, he was still a serviceman. 

“I feel like I have a responsibility to the older generation, being one of the younger servicemen from the town,” he said.

Mr Bone said he was pleased with the turnout at the town’s dawn service.

“It’s fantastic, one of the largest we’ve had,” he said.

He said it was good to see so many young people at the service.

“I give out footy and netball Anzac Day medals, so I encouraged all the players to make sure mum or dad brought them to the dawn service,” he said.

“They are the future of Anzac Day, so it’s important young people understand what it’s all about.”

Mr Berry said the crowd at the dawn service seemed to get bigger each year.

“We were really pleased with how it all went,” he said.

Nhill residents will gather again at 10.45am for a wreath-laying ceremony.

“We will then head to the community centre for a guest speaker and that will go for about an hour,” Mr Berry said.

“Then we will go to the Soldiers’ Lounge for a cup of coffee and some food.

“It should be a great day.”