Liam McNally
On a still morning on Tuesday, April 25, hundreds gathered at the Melton cenotaph at dawn to pay their respects on Anzac Day.
Members of the Melton RSL, the Vietnam Veterans associations, war veterans, serving ADF members, representatives from local, state, and federal government, as well as residents and community groups all fell silent for a minute of reflection, only broken by Revielle as dawn broke through the clear sky.
Past Melton RSL president, and founding member of the Vietnam Veterans association Ian Lawry addressed the procession on the 109th anniversary of Anzac Day.
“I can remember in a country primary school… when on Anzac Day the whole school would assemble for the Ode and the Last Post. As kids we would talk about our dads, and our uncles, and our grampas who had been away. We knew what it meant, but never dreamt that some of us would follow in their footsteps,” he said.
“Each year we pay homage not only to those original Anzacs, but to all those who died or were disabled in their service to this country. They enrich our nation’s history, their hope was for the freedom of mankind, and we remember with pride their courage, compassion, and their comradeship.
“It is a time for reflection, remembrance, and honour. Today we wear a red poppy which signifies sacrifice. That surely is the heart of the Anzac story.”
After the dawn service attendees were offered a Gunfire Breakfast at the Country Club at 7am. At 10am the Anzac march went from Alexandra Street to the Civic Centre Memorial. At 11am the service returned to the Country Club for games of Two Up.
