A crisp chill in the air did not stop large turnouts at the ceremonies in Echuca and Moama.
Echuca War Memorial attracted a crowd of about 700 people, who stood in a large horseshoe shape near the Campaspe Shire Council offices.
Echuca RSL Sub-branch president Denis Shanahan spoke about the importance of Anzac Day.
“It’s a time for the public to reflect on the men and women who sacrificed their lives for us and a time where we give thanks,” Mr Shanahan said.
It was standing room only at Moama Cenotaph, where a crowd of about 800 people was on hand for the dawn service hosted by the Moama RSL Sub-branch.
Vietnam veteran and Moama RSL Sub-branch president Ken Jones spoke to the heart of what Anzac Day meant to him and many others.
“Today is a very sombre day,” he said.
“But it is an enjoyable day as it gives us mates the chance to get back together. Some we don’t see for 12 months, but we always catch up today.
“It is a very important day for us.”
Mr Jones described the crowd as the “biggest” he had seen for a dawn service during his involvement with the sub-branch.
He said the dawn service was followed by a commemorative service at 9am before everyone enjoyed the chance for some two-up at the Moama RSL in the afternoon.
About 400 people were at Rochester’s dawn service.
Faces young and old, parents and their children, veterans and their families, were all in attendance.
The smell of bacon and eggs was in the air as part of the gunfire breakfast prepared by volunteers from the Rochester Lions Club.
MC Kris Stocker, an 18-year army veteran from a family with a proud service record, welcomed those assembled.
“Anzac Day is not one of celebration, but one of commemoration and to say thanks,” she said.
“It is an opportunity to recognise those who serve today.”
Rochester RSL Sub-branch president Captain Cameron Lovering then led what was a terrific service.
“This day, above all days, we remember them,” he said.
He also recited the Ode of Remembrance.
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
“Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning
“We will remember them.”
The crowd responded: “Lest we forget”.
So too in Cohuna, Mathoura, Lockington, Gunbower, Leitchville, Nanneella, Girgarre, Barmah and Tongala, communities who have all been touched by the impacts of war.
The hamlet of Torrumbarry was another to host a dawn service on Anzac Day.
About 100 people turned out at the Torrumbarry Hall where locals and visitors of all ages paid homage to the fallen.
“It was a good turnout and it was good to see a diversity of age groups,” event organiser Helen Williams said.
“Kids are still in school holiday mode so for them to get out of bed and for them and join us was really nice.”
FULL COVERAGE OF DAWN SERVICES — PAGES 4-9
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