Grand salute

By Sarah Schwager
LOCALS led an emotional parade through Cranbourne yesterday at Casey’s biggest service as people remembered those affected by war.
Cranbourne’s Anzac Day celebrations went off without a hitch with record crowds gathering from the dawn service to the late-morning parade.
A bright sunny day greeted those who marched down High Street to the cenotaph after a frosty morning at the Cranbourne RSL for the people brave enough to make the dawn service.
Officials estimated that about 2500 people turned up for the memorial service at the cenotaph.
The service also saw one of the longest wreath-laying ceremonies as clubs, schools, emergency services, scout groups and locals lined up to lay flowers in front of the shrine to those fallen.
The scene was picturesque with a clear blue sky dotted only by the Tooradin Flying School planes reminiscent of war and pilots.
There were more than a few tears as bugler Gus Patti from Lyndhurst Secondary College played The Last Post and during a minute’s silence.
Lieutenant-Commander Greg Crass from HMAS Cerberus was the guest speaker and stirred cheers and nods from the crowd.
“The first Anzacs, indeed, command and deserve the respect and remembrance of present and future generations of all New Zealanders and Australians, regardless of race, colour or creed,” he said.
“On every 25th of April since 1915, New Zealanders and Australians at home and abroad have gathered to commemorate not just those Anzacs who died on that day, but every one of our servicemen and women who has died in war or as a result of it since then.”
He asked those present to pay tribute to the three young Australian soldiers who were wounded in Iraq just this week.
Father Eric Quinteros, from St Agatha’s Church, read a prayer honouring those who had made such a great sacrifice and recognised those grieving for loved ones and those who still suffered the scars and wounds of war.
Cranbourne woman Yvonne Ross was one of the hundreds who came to pay tribute to their loved ones. Her father, Ernest Deutsher, 91, who fought in World War II, died just two weeks ago.
“He walked in the Anzac Parade in Melbourne every year,” she said. “I just wanted to come down and represent him. I miss him so much, even though I know he lived to a good age. Days like this bring it all back.”
Ms Ross donned her father’s medals, which included the Africa Star and the Pacific Star.
Holt MP Anthony Byrne applauded locals who came to remember, saying the service was absolutely sensational.
Casey councillors Wayne Smith, Kevin Bradford, Rob Wilson, Colin Butler and Michael Farley as well as James Dooley, who represented Cranbourne MP Jude Perera, also attended.
“Without doubt this is the best turnout in years,” Cr Bradford said. “It is a mark of respect for those who gave in the past.”
Cranbourne RSL president Barry Jones also marvelled at the turnout.
“It is overwhelming to see so many people here,” he said.