But as the Tamworth RSL sub-branch president has grown older, he treasures the city’s dawn service at Anzac Park. 

“I take great pride in being the MC of our dawn service,” Mr Chapman said.

“These days I call it my baby.

“It’s a lovely tranquil time of morning to commemorate not only our Anzacs, but all our service men and women.”

While it’s a solemn day, it’s one Mr Chapman embraces every year – and judging by the crowd numbers, he believes it’s one the community also looks forward to.

The Vietnam veteran said all the Tamworth Anzac Day services and events were always well supported by healthy crowds.

“I’ve had mates from the city come to our services and they can’t get over the crowds that turn up, particularly for our march,” Mr Chapman said.

“They are always in awe at the depth of people, particularly when they look along Peel Street during the march.

“They want to know how we get so many people at the dawn service.

“People just want to come. In the country, generally a lot of us know each other, we know the community and we know the families that have served.”

“I also honestly believe the RSL’s diligence to take care of veterans ensures the public comes along to pay there respects to the men and woman who have served our country.”

The dawn service at Anzac Park starts at 5.30am.

The parade steps off on Brisbane St at 10am, travels down Fitzroy St, along Peel St, before finishing on Fitzroy St.

Anyone unable to get to the march can watch it streamed live on The Leader’s Facebook page.

It will be followed by the main commemoration memorial at the town hall, starting no later than 10.45am