Large crowd for Stratford Dawn Service

Cadets from the No 48 (District of Stratford) Sqn of Air Training Corps stood guard at the Cross of Sacrifice during the Dawn Service in Stratford

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them."

A large crowd gathered in Stratford this morning for the Anzac Day Dawn Service.

The New Zealand flag flies above the Kopuatama Cemetery in Stratford as the sun rises on Anzac Day, 2017.

With the Stratford RSA facing liquidation, this year's event was organised and facilitated by Stratford District Council.

Local woman Rawinia Henderson led the crowd in the singing of Amazing Grace and the New Zealand National Anthem during the service, which was officiated by Monsignor David Bell.

During the service a wreath was placed by Stratford mayor Neil Volzke.

Mayor Neil Volzke places a wreath at the Cross of Sacrifice in Stratford

Cadets from the No 48 (District of Stratford) Sqn of Air Training Corps stood guard during the service.

Later today a parade through town will take place followed by a civil ceremony.

White crosses were placed at the graves of service men and women who are buried at the Kopuatama Cemetery.