People young and old attended on Monday’s Bombing of Darwin commemorations and experienced first-hand a glimpse of what February 19 may have felt like for the vulnerable soldiers.

From the deafening sound of a RAAF F/A-18A/B Hornet aircraft zooming 75m over the Esplanade, to the smell of smoke from the gunfire during the re-enactment, the service stirred a mix of emotions among the crowd.

Sitting together in solidarity, a handful of World War II veterans silently wept for those lives lost almost eight decades ago.

Younger generations at the service found it hard to hold back feelings of confusion and excitement when the air raid sirens sounded at 9.58am before Australian Defence Force personnel fired numerous guns towards the harbour, sending plumes of purple smoke spiralling into the air.

From the early hours right up until late morning, the Esplanade was milling with people of all ages who chose to recognise the 76th anniversary by attending both the USS Peary Gun Site Memorial Service before moving on to the Bombing of Darwin Commemorative Service at the Cenotaph.

The service marked the exact day 76 years ago that the first bombs landed on Darwin, killing at least 243 people and injuring 400. More than 260 Japanese planes attacked US and Australian ships, sinking eight in the harbour. A total of 20 military aircraft were also destroyed.

A number of dignified guests gave a commemorative address at the ceremony, including NT Administrator Vicki O’Halloran, who paid her respects to past and present service men and women.

“As Australians, we pause to remember lives lost on our doorstep. Seventy-six years ago today war came to our shores to place us within clear view of where we are now,” she said.

“There were many outstanding acts of heroism and steadfast devotion to duty – we know the best way to honour our Diggers is by looking after service men and women, veterans and their families.”

City of Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis also addressed the crowd at the commemorations on Monday.

“We’re privileged to have veterans with us today that endured the terrible war years in Darwin. You fought for the peace that we must never take for granted,” he said.