KEY POINTS:
A stunning display by a pair of Harvard warplanes marked the start of Anzac Day commemorations in Mt Maunganui today.
All eyes were skyward as the planes, crewed by members of the local RSA, flew in from the east and passed over the white cenotaph by the beach in the first, cloudless light of day.
About 4000 people attended this year's dawn parade at the Mount, making up for last year, when howling wind and rain forced the cancellation of the service for the first time in more than 30 years.
RSA president Ces Hughes said the turnout was growing every year and this year was among the biggest yet.
"We see all these youngsters come along," he said.
Mt Maunganui is home to the country's largest RSA, with 5000 members, 900 of them returned servicemen and women.
The oldest is in his late 90s.
More than 150 old soldiers from World War 2, the Korean War and Vietnam marched in their medals, some accompanied by younger relatives.
A tank and other Army vehicles paraded in the streets and a volley of live rounds was fired after Last Post was played.
"We will remember them," the crowd murmured after prayers.
Groups of young and old were gathered on hillsides overlooking the beach, breaking into spontaneous applause as the soldiers marched away from the cenotaph.
Peacekeepers from East Timor and Afghanistan were among the crowd.
Karen Burningham, 57, wearing medals belonging to her father, said she always tried to come to the Mount dawn parade.
"We come especially to this one because of the atmosphere," she said. "It's just a very special service."
