By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Despite the chill of a dark autumn morning, a large crowd gathered in Cockatoo for the annual Anzac Day dawn service, marking 110 years since the Gallipoli landings and 80 years since the end of World War II.
Families, many with children bundled in their warm clothings, filled the grounds in a powerful show of remembrance and unity.
Cockatoo RSL president, Carol Thompson said the day was the result of weeks of preparation.
“We had working bees to tidy the property, set-up started from 5am, and the local IGA donated supplies for the gunfire breakfast,” she said.
The day’s events included a dawn service, a march from the primary school, and a full day of commemorations with music, food, and community games.
Local resident Marco Petasano attended the service with his wife, Jacquie and their two daughters – for him, Anzac Day is about gratitude and remembrance.
“It means we thank the army, the people who went to war – the Air Force and everyone – for the life and freedom we have today,” he said.
“It’s an honour and respect we owe to those who have fallen and those who returned home.”
Mr Petasano said that he used to attend the service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, but now enjoys the accessibility of the local Cockatoo RSL.
“Living next door makes it easier to bring the kids down. We try to get back in time for the 10.30 march, just to be respectful,” he said.
He also sees Anzac Day as a teaching moment for younger generations.
“We were trying to explain it to our daughter last night. She’s a little older now, so we can talk more about it. We even showed her photos of my dad in uniform – she asked about that.”
As the sun rose through the mist, Cockatoo stood in solemn silence, remembering those who fought – and those who never came home.
