By Peter Adams
Darkness blanketed the Boronia RSL grounds early Thursday morning as dozens of residents gathered for the annual ANZAC Day Dawn Service. By 5.45am AM on 25 April, the crowd had already formed, speaking in hushed tones or standing in respectful silence beneath the pre-dawn sky.
The solemn ceremony drew families spanning multiple generations, with grandparents, parents, and children standing shoulder to shoulder to honour Australia’s servicemen and women. Many attendees proudly displayed medals—some earned through personal service, others worn in tribute to parents and grandparents who had served their country.
As morning approached, the traditional elements of the service unfolded: the Lord’s Prayer was recited, followed by the haunting notes of the Last Post echoing across the silent gathering. The Australian National Anthem united voices in patriotic reflection.
Federal and state representatives joined emergency services personnel in laying wreaths at the cenotaph, a poignant tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation.
Following the ceremony, attendees moved into the RSL hall for a community breakfast and refreshments, sharing stories and continuing the important tradition of keeping the ANZAC spirit alive for future generations.
Lest we forget.
