THE Anzac spirit was alive and strong in Jimboomba this morning.
Thousands of people met at Brisbane Street near the Jimboomba Tavern for a 7am march to Rotary Park following a 4.25am dawn service at the Jimboomba Library cenotaph and gunfire breakfast at the community hall.
Students from schools across Jimboomba and Flagstone attended the march along with community groups including Jimboomba Scouts, Navy Cadets, emergency services, Jimboomba Quota and more.
British Royal Navy World War two veteran Harold Showel, 98, and Peter Neil also paid their respects to the fallen.
Jimboomba RSL vice president Marcus Bruty led the Jimboomba ceremony at 7.30am.
Mr Bruty said he was proud of the turnout of 2000 to 2500 people consistent with previous years.
"We keep it community based every year and heavily involve the school kids to make sure they understand the Anzac spirit," he said.
"It is important to reflect on what they day means... the sacrifices of all the veterans to live in a free democratic society."
First Regiment Royal Australian Artillery captain Monica Lovett spoke about the courage of the Anzacs in the face of an ill-conceived Gallipoli campaign in 1915.
"The cream of Australia and New Zealand's armies committed themselves with no hesitiation to the nobility of their cause and fought with great courage, skill and audacity," she said.
"When the last soldiers were withdrawn about 11,000 New Zealanders and Australians lay dead with many more allied and Turkish soldiers.
"While the Anzac's withdrawal was brilliantly planned and executed the campaign could not be described as anything but a defeat.
"Freedom only survives as long as people are willing to defend it. That is the Anzac spirit that has been handed down to us."
Father Dan Talbot led prayers while Emmaus College student Sheridan Wilson recited the Anzac Requiem.
