By Danielle Kutchel
Residents from Pearcedale and surrounds came together in a show of community to commemorate Anzac Day 2021.
Police reported around 2500 people in attendance at the dawn service at Pearcedale Public Hall – far more than was expected, perhaps thanks in part to the limitations and restrictions in place at other services around Casey.
Darryn Bass, secretary and booking officer at Pearcedale Public Hall, said the mood of the day was “solemn and sombre”.
The morning featured a number of highlights, including a special tribute to Prince Phillip and a description of his military feats.
It also featured a speaker and marching group from HMAS Cerberus.
Mr Bass said the crowd paused to remember “the many people who didn’t make it back”.
“At the end of the day, whatever grievances and things we have in our lives are nothing compared to the difficulties those men went through in their time at Gallipoli,” he said.
Mr Bass has a strong military heritage, with a father and uncle who served.
“That’s why I want to continue making sure that the Anzac Day service in Pearcedale is continued and has a strong military service.”
The day also served as an opportunity to remember the contributions of locals, including Don Davis, who served in Tobruk and was heavily involved in the Pearcedale Anzac Day events until his passing in December 2020.
The flag was raised on the morning by Vietnam veteran Aaron Dart, who paid tribute to his uncle who passed away last year.
Mr Bass said it was important to include as many people as possible in the ceremony.
“Anzac Day is not about one person, but a group of people,” he said.
“I want to make sure that the people of tomorrow, people like my son, see what those Anzacs went through.
“Hopefully these services continue on for many more years, and we do remember them and we will not forget and will stay to the end and lest we forget,” he said.
Holt MP Anthony Byrne attended both the ANZAC Day Dawn service at the Pearcedale Public Hall, and the ANZAC Day Service at 11am at the Cranbourne RSL.
“At the Cranbourne RSL and at the Pearcedale Community Hall Dawn Service we paid our respects and expressed our gratitude to our ANZACs,” he said.
“We remembered all of those who fought and made the ultimate sacrifice. They fought that so that we may be free. Their sacrifice, courage, endurance and spirit of mateship will never be forgotten.”
