Record attendances at the region's Anzac Day services were evidence of a growing interest in the legend that many believe helped forge the Australian spirit.
Mittagong attracted a crowd of about 2000 while Bowral and Moss Vale both recorded increased attendances.
Smaller villages throughout the Southern Highlands also witnessed healthy numbers of marchers, despite the declining numbers of World War I and World War II veterans.
Young people were a real focus, many wearing the medals of fathers, grand fathers and great grandfathers.
Children, parents and grandparents surrounded Mittagong's war memorial at 5.30am on Wednesday to pay their respects to the Australians who dedicated their youth to serve the nation.
About 400 people looked on as a stream of the district's navy, army and airforce personnel led a parade of medal-laden veterans through the town centre.
The Mittagong RSL executive conducted the ceremony, with the 30-minute program including the traditional Anzac Ode to the Fallen and Last Post.
Mittagong's memorial clock was flanked by a guard of honour as all eyes were cast downward for a minute of silence and the official wreath was laid.
The crisp air and persistent wind of the morning did little to discourage the Southern Highlands community, with the gathering including Wingecarribee councillors, armed service cadets, ambulance, fire and police personnel as well as the relatives and friends of servicemen and women.
Bowral resident Keith Pauley was among those lining Mittagong's main street as the bugler trumpeted, saying he had attended the dawn service in recognition of his father's contribution during World War II.
"I think the dawn service is the start of the whole day and it's an important thing to be at," Mr Pauley said.
"Anzac Day is a very Australian day, it's about remembering all those people who served our country."
Mittagong resident David Van Dyck agreed, saying the early hour of the service made it a bit special.
"It's just sort of making a commitment to do something you don't want to do - get out of bed," he said.
"It's really important to remember the fellows who went overseas and did what they had to do.
"None of them wanted to be there and we should remember them for what they did for us."
With medals adorning his navy blazer, Mittagong RSL sub-branch welfare officer Tom Van-beers stood out from the crowd as he watched his fellow veterans march past.
"The main thing is I can't march, that's the hardest thing," he said.
"But the point of the service is to remember the fallen boys in all the wars.
" Anzac Day allows us to remember our fallen comrades and provides an opportunity for us to enjoy some time together with our old boys."
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