This year’s activities honoured the home front contributions of civilians on par with the sacrifice and service of those who went into battle.

The theme was evident throughout the day’s events, from the composition of official parties to the inclusion of the community at each stage.

The day began before dawn in Belmore Park to the skirl of bagpipes from Goulburn Soldiers Club Pipes and Drums band haunting the mist.

Speeches and wreath-laying culminated with the first sounding of the Last Post as parties departed for the War Graves at the lawn cemetery.

By mid morning the sun shone brightly, from glistering medals down to polished boots, glinting in the eyes of many who stood in remembrance.

The march along Auburn St was just as crowded with people as the wide footpath, many carrying domestic items as symbols of the home front.

Schools and youth-focused groups, such as guides and cadets, numbered many, and emergency services personnel walked with ADF members.

Other community groups, such as the Country Women’s Association and Australia’s own Legacy, were also honoured for civilian contributions.

By evening, as dusk fell on the city, a few hundred gathered at Rocky Hill War Memorial for an inaugural service “at the going down of the sun”.

A youth choir harmonised on war tunes as well as contemporary originals penned for the day as onlookers embraced the relaxed atmosphere.

The Goulburn RSL Sub Branch is keen to see the special sunset event return in 2017 as a fitting end to the grander ceremonies of Anzac Day.

Commemorations weren’t limited to those in the city, as people interstate and overseas watched proceedings via the Post’s online streaming.

In the spirit of this year’s community theme, today’s edition is dedicated to all who took part.