Victorians turned out in large numbers for Anzac Day dawn services across the state, gathering to commemorate the sacrifices of past and present servicemen and women. In Melbourne, 40,000 people assembled at the Shrine of Remembrance before daybreak to pay their respects. Bunurong Elder Mark Brown welcomed the crowd with a Welcome to Country, acknowledging the shared history and sacrifice of all Australians, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. RSL Victoria president Robert Webster delivered the Ode of Remembrance, and a lone bugler played the Last Post on the steps of the Shrine. The Navy band joined the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chorus to perform Abide By Me as dawn broke over the city. This year’s Anzac Day had a special focus on peacekeeping, recognizing the 70,000 Australians who have served in peacekeeping roles around the world. Master of ceremonies Justin Smith paid tribute to peacekeepers, who often operate under difficult and dangerous conditions. Victorian Governor Margaret Gardner also commended the efforts of peacekeepers, highlighting the invaluable contribution they make to protecting civilians and promoting peace. For the first time, veterans who have participated in peacekeeping missions for Australia led the Anzac Day march through Melbourne. Among them was Royal Australian Air Force veteran Brett West, an Indigenous Australian who enlisted in 1987 and specialized in the bomb squad. West spoke about the importance of recognizing the contributions of Indigenous Australians to the Australian military, and he encouraged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to feel proud to wear their medals and participate in Anzac Day commemorations. Jane Anderson, the mother of past and current servicemen, expressed the deep emotions that accompany Anzac Day. “It’s an emotional time,” she said. “It’s a moment when we’re all thinking about what these people have been through, and it can be tough on them and tough on the families when they’re apart.” Anderson’s sons both served in the Middle East, and she described the mix of pride and concern she felt during their deployments. Across the state, Victorians attended dozens of local services and events in suburbs and towns, with thousands gathering in places like Torquay and Wodonga to honor the sacrifices of those who have served their country.
Victorians Gather for Anzac Day Dawn Services to Honor Service Personnel
