Hundreds of Pearcedale community members and residents turned out in force to commemorate fallen Australian and New Zealand soldiers as part of the 2023 ANZAC Day service.
In the early hours of Tuesday, April 25, about 400 people of all ages attended the solemn and stirring service.
Held at the Pearcedale Public Hall for the past 16 years, emcee and former Casey councillor Colin Butler said the event continued to grow year on year, remarking on the “magnificent crowd” who attended this year.
Focusing on the loss of those during the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, this year also marked the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War and the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement.
Royal Australian Navy Lieutenant Commander Cameron Matherson was among the spearkers during the service.
“We gather not to glorify war but to recognise the courage of those who continue to shape our identity,” he said.
Lieutenant Commander Matherson said those who fought in World War I and World War II were some of the greatest generations of Australians.
“They helped our allies to defeat hate and greed,” he said.
“We’re all in their debt.”
Retired Army Chaplain Reverend Murry Harris spoke during the service about the significance of recognising our failures, such as some of Australia’s war campaigns.
“We live in a success-oriented world,” he said.
“It’s one of those ironies of life.
“It’s very important to acknowledge those who have given their lives.”
Reverend Harris said it was sad to see the current generations so dependent on their phones and television, but he hoped remembering the sacrifices of fallen soldiers and others who had sacrificed would be beneficial.
“Maybe we can grow into a better world,” he said.
“So many adults seem unable to think of how the world operates.”
Piper Scott Lawrence also led the catafalque party, while Cranbourne-Dandenong Returned and Services League’s Jim Cunningham raised and lowered the flag.
A number of community representatives helped lay wreaths at the cenotaph, including Cranbourne Country Fire Authority members and local school pupils.
The event also included a number of songs, including ‘I Am, You Are, We Are Australian’ and ‘I Was Only 19’.
