Left: Pakenham World War II veteran Hautrie Crick, a ‘rat’ of Tobruk, at the Anzac Day service yesterday.
By Paul Dunlop
ANZAC Day dawned solemn and silent in Pakenham yesterday (Wednesday) as a record crowd paid tribute to the community’s war heroes.
A crowd estimated at more than 800 people by organisers gathered for the traditional pre-sunrise service at the town’s war memorial in John Street.
Pakenham Returned Services League officials were thrilled by the public support for the dawn service, saying it continued to grow in size and stature.
The Last Post, played by bugler Graham Treloar, rang out across the still morning as the crowd, including hundreds of children, marked the 92nd anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.
Reverend Dick Johnson said it was a day of “sacred remembrance”.
“Today we gather to pay our tributes and respect to all those men and women who served at home and abroad in the armed forces,” he said.
“The spirit of the Anzacs, their commitment and sacrifice – for so many the ultimate sacrifice – is remembered today as that which has established and shaped our national identity.”
Wreaths were laid in memory of the many soldiers who fell in two world wars or during other conflicts.
McMillan MP Russell Broadbent and Cardinia Shire mayor Kate Lempriere were guest speakers at the gunfire breakfast.
Mr Broadbent said residents should follow the example set by previous generations.
“It is up to us to remember, to take pride in who we are and go on to do the best we can,” he said.
Cr Lempriere said it was a day when all of Australia paid homage, not to honour war but to remember those who fought.
“We must do more than sing their praises, we must see their sacrifice was not in vain,” she said.
Councillors Bill Ronald and Brett Owen were among officials at the gathering, as were leaders of community groups, services clubs and organisations.
Pakenham RSL president Norm Joseph said he was especially pleased to see so many young faces.
Mr Joseph said the gathering was so large the official welcome was made in the main room of the Pakenham Town Hall for the first time.
The RSL ladies auxiliary and Pakenham Rotary members served steaming platters of bangers and mash to warm the gathering – a gesture much appreciated.
Pakenham World War II veteran Hautrie Crick spent the remainder of Anzac Day with his fellow ‘rats’ of Tobruk who were celebrating the recent donation of their beloved Albert Park meeting hall by a generous businessman.
“There are a lot of things you don’t forget,” he said.
“Some you would like to forget, but I always like to think about the good things.”
