By LIA SPENCER
HUNDREDS of people gathered at the Narre Warren Civic Centre for the dawn Anzac Day service last week.
The service, hosted by the Berwick RSL, was one of several held across the City of Casey on 25 April.
Berwick RSL Secretary George Nicholson welcomed the crowd and said Anzac Day was an occasion to remember the virtues shown by the Anzacs.
The service marked the 98th anniversary of the landing at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli which Mr Nicholson said, to many historians, was “the birth of this nation.”
President of the Berwick RSL sub branch Ray Heathcote said Anzac Day was a day to gather to acknowledge those who were prepared to pay the ultimate price for the freedom we take for granted in our everyday lives.
“What if those Anzacs were here beside us right now? What if they could see this world? How would we measure up?” he asked.
“They sailed into the unknown, committed to finishing what they were told to do. They accepted the authority of their leaders and their demands, even through the most horrific and demanding of circumstances, they accepted responsibilities,” he said.
“They subscribed the values that influenced their actions. These values include loyalty, mateship, integrity, family, honour, respect and patience. They saw their mates suffer death or incredible injury and lived in real and constant fear that they would be the next to die.
“They were committed to a world where there would be no more wars. If we only come to pay tribute to the Anzacs today and go away unchanged, then their sacrifices have no meaning.”
Wreaths were laid by many local residents, students and dignitaries.
The Narre Warren Rotary Club provided catering for the breakfast following the dawn service.
Dawn services were also held at the Cranbourne RSL and at the Cenotaph site at the Pearcedale Public Hall.
Cranbourne also had a service and a march at 10.30am and in Berwick, High Street was closed for the march from Berwick RSL to the War memorial at 11am. The service included a flyover by the RAAF Roulettes and a two gun salute.
Guest speaker Neil Roberts, introduced as an ex-serviceman and ex-school teacher, shared stories and his views on Australian pride.
Mr Roberts said it was important to remember that the real heroes were not on the football field, they were on the battlefield.
The Last Post was played by Rodney Edwards and the Ode was read by Mr Heathcote.
Many residents had also paid tribute to Australia’s servicemen and women at an Endeavour Hills service, hosted by the Dandenong RSL last Tuesday.
