Still hampered by COVID-19 restrictions that forced the complete cancellation of commemorations last year, Orange held two marches and two services.

A crowd about 2000 people were in Robertson Park from the 11am service after one of the biggest Dawn Service crowds attended at 6.30am.

The main march went from Anson Street to the park via Byng Street instead of the usual procession down Summer Street.

The usual large representation of schoolchildren was limited to only a few from each school in the Orange region.

City of Orange RSL sub-branch president Chris Colvin said it was great to see a strong crowd turnout.

"I would like to thank you all for your attendance today," he said.

Rear Admiral Ian Murray told the crowd in the commemorative address Anzac Day was not about glorifying war.

"Today we honour the service of the Anzacs and those who have followed in their footsteps to serve our nation in war and peace," he said.

"Today we do not glorify war, today we honour service and we remember the 102,866 people who have lost their lives in the service of our country."

Orange mayor Cr Reg Kidd said it had been a successful day.

"I'm very, very pleased with how it went," he said.

"Overall, we had to remember COVID safety.

"The RSL were given certain directions on what they had to do."

Cr Kidd said while the number of students marching was down there had been increased involvement in the services.

That ranged from the Orange High School Band and choir performing to songs and poems by students during the services.

"I think it added to it with the students doing the poetry," he said.

Cr Kidd said there could be room for even more involvement from students in future services.

"I think that's the way to go," he said.

Cr Kidd also said he hoped the coronavirus restrictions on public gatherings would be gone in time for next year's service.

"Let's hope from next year we can get back to marching down Summer Street," he said.

A small crowd, including several police officers saluting, cheered the march down Byng Street.

This year was also the first time the Anzac Day service was held with the statue of Sir Neville Howse, Orange's first Victoria Cross recipient, at the cenotaph end of Robertson Park.

It was moved from the northern end of the park to make way for a long-awaited toilet block near Byng Street.

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