Record crowd remembers

By Sarah Schwager
ANZAC Day celebrations drew record crowds in Cranbourne on Tuesday as the community recognised its war heroes.
From the dawn service until the late morning parade, locals gathered to pay tribute to fallen soldiers, war veterans, their families, and those currently serving overseas.
Led by Cranbourne’s war veterans and closely followed by the Cormac McCarthy Irish Pipe Band, members of the Victorian Lighthorse Regiment, Australian Air League Cranbourne squadron, Scouts, Guides and St John Ambulance marched down High Street to the cenotaph.
The Vietnam Veteran’s Motorcycle Club brought up the rear.
Cranbourne RSL president Barry Jones welcomed the crowd and started the official proceedings at Greg Clydesdale Square.
Prayers were read by Father Wise and Captain Peter Walker, while Lyndhurst Secondary College school captain Priya Sudhaker read the poem Honour Rolls by Stanley Goldsworthy.
Guest speaker Lieutenant Commander Greg Crass spoke about what Anzac Day represented and the nature of the legacy.
He said the day Australian troops landed in Gallipoli was by no means a success, and Anzac Day celebrated not just those who served and died that day but all war veterans, their families and those serving overseas.
“This is a day for the people, which is evident in the turnout here in front of me,” Lt Commander Crass said.
Individuals and organisations from around Casey showed their dedication and respect for their war heroes by laying wreaths at the foot of the memorial.
Casey mayor Kevin Bradford said the celebrations were the biggest ever in Cranbourne.
“It’s great. There are more children here than ever before as well, which is great to see,” Cr Bradford said.
Holt MP Anthony Byrne, Cranbourne MP Jude Perera, and Casey councillors Rob Wilson, Colin Butler and Michael Farley were among the official guests welcomed at the ceremony.