Hours before dawn this ANZAC Day, 40,000 Victorians braved the cold to gather by the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne to honour current and past servicemen and servicewomen.
With the occasional sounds of early birdcalls and Melbourne’s trams in the distant background, the atmosphere at the Shrine was one of reverent silence as the crowd awaited the beginning of the Dawn Service.
An official Welcome to Country was delivered by Bunurong Elder Uncle Mark Brown, who spoke of our shared journey of reconciliation and understanding and the importance of fostering mutual understanding among communities.
After a solemn minute's silence, MC Justin Smith led the service, which included the recital of the Ode and the haunting notes of the bugle sounding the Last Post and the Reveille. Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria, delivered an address, followed by guest speaker Halima Chowdary reciting In Flanders Field. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the official Army Band performed Abide with Me.
Under this year’s theme of Peacekeeping, the recognition of the 70,000 Australians who served as peacekeepers across the country was a poignant reminder of the active role played by those in service across critical humanitarian zones.
After a beautiful Dawn Service that took place under a full moon and cloudless sky, the crowd proceeded up the steps of the Shrine under the first rays of the sun, to pay their respects and lay poppies in the Shrine Sanctuary.
RSL Victoria President Dr Robert Webster OAM said “Today, we honoured the legacy and spirit of the ANZACs, and were uplifted by the experience of seeing 40,000 Victorians gathered at the Shrine of Remembrance, with some sub-branches reporting attendances including 8,000 in Torquay and 5,500 in Wodonga for the Dawn Service. It is always inspiring to be part of the shared reverence of the morning and the traditions that make the service meaningful and memorable for so many people.”
Dean Lee, CEO, Shrine of Remembrance said “The community’s commitment to honour those who defend our way of life at this morning’s ANZAC Day Dawn Service was overwhelming, upholding a 90-year tradition at Victoria’s home of commemoration.”
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