Tamworth residents and country music fans were out in full force to cheer and remember those who've made the ultimate sacrifice.

Veteran Geoff Maynes, who joined the army in 1967 and served in Vietnam in the 1st Infantry Battalion, said it was good to be back marching again after COVID-19 had disrupted the event in past years.

"It's good to catch up and see everyone," Mr Maynes said.

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For the Vietnam veteran, today was all about remembering.

"It's good to remember the soldiers from all the wars before, and the blokes that never came back," Mr Maynes said.

"Plus the fellas that did come back who have had a lot of problems."

This year marked the return of marches and services, following a two year hiatus due to COVID. But only veterans were allowed to participate.

Terry Halcroft, who joined the army in 1968 and served with the 7^th battalion in the Vietnam war, said it was a "shame" that his grandkids couldn't join him to march this year.

"It's just sad that the kids couldn't march today, they usually march with my father's medals," Mr Halcroft said.

While the march still faced restrictions, Mr Halcroft said he was looking forward to catching up with mates.

"You feel amongst your kindred people, you just feel right at home," he said.

"The wonderful thing about this is when you get to meet again with your mates.

"Even if you haven't seen them for a year the conversation takes over as if it was yesterday."

The march followed a different route this year due to road closures following the postponed country music festival.

The Memorial Town Hall packed for the commemorative service that followed.

Community and school representatives laid wreaths to pay their respects, while the crowd listened as 'The Ode' was recited and the bugler played 'The Last Post'.

Tamworth RSL sub-Branch president, Jayne McCarthy, said it was important to honour the "powerful legacy" the Australian and New Zealand forces left behind.

"We are indebted to those who have gone before us and we continue to be indebted to those who serve us still," Ms McCarthy said.

"Our duty on this day is to come to this place and pay homage."

A special address was given by lieutenant colonel Ian McNab, the commanding officer of the 12^th and 16^th Hunter River Lancers.

"To the veterans here today we say thank you, to the current and former members of the defence force we say thank you, and to the families of veterans and service men and women, we say thank you," Col McNab said.

"To these people we owe a debt of gratitude that cannot be repaid, instead we must protect their legacy and perpetuate their commitment to courage, selflessness and sacrifice.

With the war in Ukraine, Col McNab took the opportunity to remind the crowd of the need to always strive for peace.

"The war in Ukraine is a very real reminder of the destruction and suffering that accompanies war," he said.

A march and commemorative service was held in Bendemeer where the community gathered to pay their respects.

The march was led by piper Duncan McLean while Kerri Axon played 'The Last Post' on the bugle.

Students from Bendemeer Public School laid wreaths while John Doak spoke about the history of the 33rd Battalion that formed during the First World War which the Bendemeer men marched and fought under.

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