Warm hearts see in the light of day

A RECORD crowd of more than 700 people attended the Narre Warren Dawn Service on Anzac Day last week.
Returned soldiers rubbed shoulders with the younger generation as the chilly morning air was pierced by a bugler’s rendition of the Last Post.
Local scouting and guides groups joined residents from across the whole city in listening to Berwick RSL president Les Lucas pay tribute to those who had made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Several Casey councillors also attended, as did Holt MP Anthony Byrne and local Eumemmerring College students.
Berwick resident John Clarke said he had made the early morning trip in honour of his father and grandfather – both war veterans.
“It’s great to see so many young people turn up. It needs to be passed on to our younger ones,” Mr Clarke said.
A record attendance was also present at The Rotary Club of Narre Warren’s gunfire breakfast.
More than 250 people attended the function, held at the Casey Civic Centre, and were treated to a warm breakfast as well as several moving speeches and poems from various speakers.
Rotary officials said the gunfire breakfast, now in its 25th year, had come a long way since its inception when less than 50 people turned up.
Vietnam veteran John Doutch, 61, said Anzac Day was always a special time for him.
“This (gunfire breakfast) shows me that this country is alive and well,” he said.