Crowds gathered for the town’s annual Anzac Day march down Kelly Street and main ceremony.

Scone RSL Sub-branch secretary George Clementson brought attention to a change in this years’ service – highlighting the sacrifice of young Australians during the war.

“You may have noticed that directly behind the veterans were our students,” he said.

“They were placed there to remind us of the age people were when they went to war.

“A wounded 18 year old will recover easier and faster than someone around 30 or 35 and they also have the potential for a longer service life.

“And then there were the boy soldiers.

“These were the people that enlisted when they were under 18 years of age.

“The names of boy servicemen listed on the roll of honour at the Australian War Memorial include three 14 year olds, eight 15 year olds, 44 16 year olds 105 17 year olds who were killed in action or died from their wounds.

“Let us remember those who paid the supreme price.

“Lest we forget.”

Wreaths were laid outside Barwick House prior to a passionate performance of the New Zealand National Anthem by Raz Wilson and the Australian National Anthem by a combined Scone Grammar School and St Mary’s school choir.

The choir performed “A Soldier and His Horse” by Reverend Glen Hughes to the crowd and guests including Hunter Valley Police chief inspector Guy Guiana, Upper Hunter Shire councillor James Burns, Upper Hunter Shire general manager Steve McDonald and Reverend Nate Atkinson.

Guest speaker, Lieutenant Andrew Pham from the Singleton Army Base, who has served in Iraq, was quick to point out the significance of the gathering.

“It is now a long-standing tradition,” he said.

“There’s something very Australian about coming together for such a cause.

“We should be grateful for those who have ensured the freedoms and the liberties that we have in this country.”

Pay's Air Service also sent a number of warbirds flying over the skies as part of the commemorations.