By Brendan Rees
Bumper crowds turned out in Cranbourne on Anzac Day to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice during times of war.
Community groups, war veterans, dignitaries, and riders of the Vietnam Veterans motorcycle club were cheered on by thousands of spectators who lined High Street to watch the morning parade on Thursday 25 April.
As the sound of bagpipes performed by the Cormac McCarthy Irish Pipe Band rang through the streets, the raw emotion was evident.
Wearing a beret with medals pinned to his jacket, 79-year-old Maurice Quinn of Cranbourne, marched to remember his father and brother who died in World War II.
Mr Quinn, who served with the British Army for 25 years before arriving in Australia in 1985, said he was honoured to be a part of the commemoration.
“I’m getting over the flu but I wouldn’t miss it,” he said. “In my family, there’s my father, my brothers, a sister, both my sons, a daughter who all served in the British Army. And I’ve got a daughter serving now in the Australian Army and has been for 30 years,” he added.
Standing by his side was his daughter Karen Quinn, who said she always attended the service with her father. “We always come here together,” adding “It’s wonderful to see how many people show up more and more every year.”
More than 2,000 residents, children, students, war veterans, and dignitaries converged at the Clydesdale Square Cenotaph for a service.
Addressing the crowd, Dandenong Cranbourne RSL sub-branch senior vice president Bill Shepherd said: “Some say this day glorifies war, but very veteran will be the first to say that their greatest wish and most fervent prayer is that heir children and this nation may never have to witness the horrors of war again.”
Mike Newbond, committeeman of the Dandenong Cranbourne RSL echoed his sentiments during a reading of the Anzac Requiem, saying “On this day, above all day, we recall those who served in war and who did not return to receive the grateful thanks of the nation.”
Eyes turned to the sky where vintage aircraft performed a flypast tribute before Reverent Ray McCluskey of the Cranbourne Uniting Church led the crowd in prayer.
Local community groups, politicians, school children along with members of the public were invited lay wreaths, taking a moment to reflect.
Guest speaker Cael Lawrence, college captain of Alkira Secondary College told the crowd: “Today we thank them for their service and remember those who died defending our freedom.”
