Record crowds at dawn service

By Melissa Grant
A RECORD breaking 1000-plus crowd paid their respects to the nation’s fallen heroes at Pakenham’s Anzac Day dawn service.
President Ray Caldwell said the turnout was impressive considering the service was held on a Saturday in less than ideal weather.
“We’re asking as an RSL that people come and pay their respects and they’re doing it – in bulk,” he said.
The crowd included many school-aged children. Beaconhills College army cadets were part of the service as were local scouts and guides.
Many students laid wreaths as a sign of respect and appreciation to those before them who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Graham Treloar’s rendition of the Last Post and a minute’s silence was followed by a traditional gunfire breakfast in the Pakenham Hall.
During the breakfast, Cardinia Shire councillor Brett Owen spoke about how young some Australians were when they enlisted for war.
This included Pakenham RSL sub-branch vice president Norm Joseph who signed up as a 15-year-old after weeks of begging his mother to sign the necessary paperwork.
Cr Owen said Mr Joseph’s story was a common one, with many underage soldiers concealing their date of birth.
Despite their age, those soldiers played a pivotal role in securing the freedoms we have today.
“It’s important we remember Norm, and people like Norm, for the sacrifices they made for freedoms we take for granted,” Cr Owen said.