Dawn of dedication

Monbulk RSL president Ted Beard opened the Anzac Day service last year. 80679 Picture: GREG CARRICK

By EMMA SUN

VETERANS across the nation will pay tribute to the fallen soldiers who fought to protect the country during celebrations on Anzac Day.
RSLs across the hills will hold services on and prior to the day, which members of the public are invited to attend.
The Mount Evelyn RSL will have its main Anzac Day service this Sunday, 21 April, at 2pm at the war memorial park on the corner of Wray Crescent and Birmingham Road.
Veterans and community groups will march and afternoon tea will follow.
The dawn service will also be held at the war memorial park on the actual day at 6am. It will be followed by a free gunfire breakfast in the RSL hall.
Any groups wanting to lay a floral tribute at either ceremony are asked to contact Anthony McAleer at the RSL on 9736 4384.
The Monbulk RSL will have its dawn service at 6am outside the RSL on Main Road, which will be followed by a gunfire breakfast.
The group will then march along the Main Road at 9.30am before holding its service at about 10am. Morning tea will be offered after the service.
The Dandenong Ranges RSL will not have a dawn service, but will hold the march at 10.30am at the Sassafras village green, followed by the service at 11am.
Refreshments will be offered at the RSL afterwards.
The Upwey Belgrave RSL will be open from 5am to offer coffee before its dawn service at 6am.
A gold coin donation breakfast will follow, and then the march at about 9.30am from Foodworks in Upwey.
The group will then march back to the RSL for the main service. Lunch, live music, 2UP and raffles will follow.
The dawn service for the Cockatoo RSL will start at 5.45am with the main service commencing at about 10.45am, where veterans will march from Cockatoo Primary School back to the RSL.
A sausage sizzle will follow.
The Emerald RSL will hold its dawn service at 6am.
The group will then march from the town centre next to Commonwealth Bank at 10.30am and finish at the RSL clubrooms for the service from 11am.