By REBECCA BILLS
A PIECE of history is in our midst.
After a $1 million project to upgrade the Kokoda Track Memorial in 2011, the site is now home to information panels, shelters and seating to host public commemorative events such as Anzac Day.
As part of the project, a permanent memorial to the 2000 Australians who died fighting at Kokoda is located at the base of the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk.
The walk is said to be very similar to the first 100 metres of Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.
Along the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk there are 14 plaques dedicated to those who fought and died on the track.
A number of Anzac Day services will be held throughout the Dandenong Ranges on Friday 25 April.
Dandenong Ranges
THE Dandenong Ranges RSL will not have a Dawn Service but will hold a march at 10.30am at the Sassafras village green followed by the service at 11am.
Emerald
THE Emerald RSL will hold its Dawn Service at 6am followed by the March from town to the RSL at 10.30am for a service at 11am.
Lilydale
A DAWN Service will be held at 5.45am (assembly from 5.30am) at the cenotaph in the main street. Concludes at 6.30am followed by a march back to the RSL where refreshments will be served.
Monbulk
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.
Mount Evelyn
Mount Evelyn RSL will host its main Anzac Day service on Sunday 27 April at 2pm at the war memorial park on the corner of Wray Crescent and Birmingham Road. A Dawn Service will also be held at 6am on Friday 25 April.
Upwey/Belgrave
The Dawn Service at 6am will be held at the Upwey-Belgrave RSL at 1 Mast Gully Road, Upwey, followed by the march at 9.30am. Another service will then follow at 10am at the RSL, followed by a march to the cenotaph commencing at 10.30am.
*Not all events were able to be confirmed by time of print but are expected to be held.
