By Marcus Uhe
Hundreds surrounded the Cranbourne War Memorial at Greg Clydesdale Square for a traditional Dawn Service this morning, Monday 25 April, paying respect to former and current servicemen and women.
The service opened with 13-year-old Jamie Rolfe from the Australian Air League Cranbourne Squadron playing the Last Post, before John Antonie and Stuart Couch from the Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL conducted formal proceedings.
Mr Antonie welcomed the crowd to the ceremony on behalf of the RSL, describing the day as one involving “the whole of Australia in solemn ceremonies of remembrance, gratitude and national pride.”
“The 25th of April is the day chosen to acknowledge our debt to the gallant men and women and allies who fought beside them,” Mr Antonie said.
Mr Couch then delivered the Anzac speech, reflecting on how the sacrifices of those on the beaches of the Dardanells at Gallipoli have helped to shaped our country’s identity.
“The Anzacs indeed command and deserve the respect and remembrance of present and future generations of all Australians and New Zealanders, regardless of race, colour or creed,” Mr Couch said.
“On the 25 April Australians and New Zealanders at home or abroad will be gathering to commemorate not just the Anzacs who died on the day, but all the current serving men and women in our armed forces.
(The ANZACs) true achievements were in the courage, determination, mateship and sacrifice. They were achievements that set standards and inspired their countrymen for generations to follow.
“The legend they established gave fresh voice to a new feeling of national pride, in both a young nation, and the news of the suffering when it finally reached home, the anxiety of awaiting families. It brought people together in ways that they did not know before.
“The names on public memorials existing in virtually all of our towns and cities are important, as regular reminders of the losses that our nation felt in those days.”
Following the speech, Mr Antonie read the Anzac prayer, and Mr Couch laid a wreath at the foot of the memorial to the tune of bagpipes.
Mr Antonie then gave a stirring rendition of Binyon’s ode, before the Last Post was played again, a minute’s silence was observed, and the playing of both the New Zealand and Australian national anthems.
Dawn services were also held at Pearcedale, Bunjil Place and Hampton Park, in the City of Casey.
