Hundreds gather to greet dawn in silence

By Bridget Brady and Lia Bichel
RECORD crowds attended a dawn service at Anzac Day in Cranbourne, honouring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
Cranbourne RSL sub-branch president Barry Jones said about 350 people attended the dawn service.
“That was the highest we have ever had,” Mr Jones said.
Cranbourne mother Maureen Peach said she attended the dawn service every year with her two children.
“We lost a grandfather (at war) so I think it’s important that they come to the service,” she said.
“They learn an important part of our history, if it wasn’t for the soldiers we wouldn’t be here.”
A big crowd gathered at Clydesdale Square for the march and service at 10.30am.
A highlight for the crowd was when the RAAF Roulettes flew over about 11am.
“The Roulettes were fantastic, everyone loved it. I thought it was marvellous,” Mr Jones said.
More than 50 people and groups laid wreaths at the cenotaph, which Mr Jones said was a record for Cranbourne.
“Once again the schools had fantastic participation at the laying of the wreaths.”
Lieutenant Commander Patrick Beresford from the Royal Australian Navy HMAS Cerberus was the guest speaker.
“The soldiers’ actions forged a new national identity,” he said.
“I love Anzac Day. It has grown over the years and it’s great to see it’s so important to so many people.”