1000 pay tribute

ABOUT 1000 people flocked to the Pakenham cenotaph early Friday morning to pay tribute to those Australians who had lost their lives as a result of war.
The record crowd stood in silence at the Anzac Day dawn service as they remembered those who had made the ultimate sacrifice during the two world wars and other conflicts.
Guest speaker Salvation Army captain Christopher Garcia spoke about the Anzac spirit and the importance of learning from the past.
“When people stand up for what they believe in, it costs them dearly sometimes,” he said.
“Today we honour them, we say thank-you and we look to the future.”
After the Last Post and Reveille were played, dozens of locals laid wreaths in honour of those who had paid the ultimate price during times of battle.
A Gunfire Breakfast consisting of bangers and mash was then served up by the Rotary Club of Pakenham and Pakenham RSL Ladies Auxiliary.
During the breakfast, mayor Bill Ronald talked about the history of the town cenotaph, while Pakenham RSL sub-branch president Norm Joseph spoke about the importance of teaching the legend of Anzac to the younger generation.