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DAWN is the time to be in Swansea this Anzac Day.
At precisely 6.21am, rays of the sun will pass through the 2.5-tonne Anzac memorial that stands proudly in front of Swansea RSL, overlooking Swansea Heads.
The steel structure is a replica of a memorial in Onslow, Western Australia, where the sun rises two hours later.
Swansea's memorial was craned into place last week in time for the commemoration of the Anzac centenary.
It will be the centrepiece of Swansea RSL Sub-Branch's first dawn service in decades.
Historically, a daytime service has been held at the cenotaph at the club's entrance.
However, sub-branch vice president Barney Blundell said the service outgrew the area, with up to 600 people squeezing into the club's car park.
"Now that we've got this one on the other side we've got room for everyone," he said.
"And with the memorial facing the rising sun, it lent itself to a dawn service."
The memorial isn't the only new attraction this year.
For the first time, air force cadets will re-enact the Anzac Cove landing in the bay adjacent to the memorial.
Three surf boats, steered by Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club members, will carry 12 cadets, while another eight take position onshore - some crouching, some laying down.
One of them is Cadet Corporal Michael Walsh, from Toronto.
To prepare, he had to imagine what the troops experienced.
The Swansea Anzac Day dawn service starts at 5.45am and includes a PC3 aircraft flyover.
Belmont Rotary Club will serve breakfast from a marquee at 7.10am for a small donation.
The annual march along Pacific Highway, Swansea, steps off at 11am, followed by an 11.30am service at the memorial.