The Anzac legend is embedded in our DNA and it is who we are as a nation, the crowd heard at the commemorative service in Port Macquarie.
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Hastings Secondary College Port Macquarie Campus student Bridget Flint delivered the commemorative address during Port Macquarie's main service on Anzac Day.
She said the Anzac spirit was helping your mate out and knowing your mate would do the same if the situation was reversed and it was doing what needed to be done when it needed to be done.
"It is overcoming overwhelming odds and atrocious conditions; it is turning the impossible into possible," Bridget said.
"It is about trust, tradition, integrity and respect for each other, dependence on each other, keeping your word, not letting your mates, family or others down, the ability to never give up, and self-belief, to hang in there when all seems lost.
"This is what the Anzac spirit is to me.
"It is all around us just as it was all those years ago."
Crowds lined the streets to watch the march and converged on the Town Square for the commemorative service.
Wreaths were laid at the war memorial.
RSL Port Macquarie Sub-branch president Greg Laird said the level of support at the commemorative service was absolutely wonderful.
He put that down to the interest in Anzac Day and the sub-branch secretary Gary Spencer's organisational ability.
"There was a tremendous atmosphere," Mr Laird said.
"It was just so inclusive - I loved it."
Bridget said she doubted there was a person standing at the service who had not been touched by war in some form or another.
"I have family members that have fought in World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War and I am personally so grateful that because of their and their comrades' bravery that today I have my freedom and endless opportunities, we must never forget to show our gratitude for their sacrifices," she said.
Bridget said if you remembered one thing, let it be this - for our tomorrow, they gave us their today.
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