By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS and PETER DOUGLAS
RAIN COULD not dampen the Anzac spirit alive in those who participated in the dawn service and street march at the Upwey-Belgrave RSL.
Proceedings of the dawn service were led by Upwey-Belgrave RSL president David Eaton, who gave a stirring rendition of The Ode and paid respect to those fallen and gave thanks to all who attended the dawn service.
The national anthems of Great Britain, New Zealand and Australia were sung by all in attendance to recognise the sacrifice that each nation made during times of war.
Mr Eaton estimated an attendance of between three and four thousand at the dawn service and said “it was the largest turnout to a dawn service I can remember”.
“I am very happy with the turnout we had this morning and I’m glad the rain held off for the service,” he said.
“We still have the 10am service after the march as well and I expect numbers to be enormous for that, too.”
Monbulk MP James Merlino was first to lay a wreath at the RSL’s memorial and also expressed his admiration with the number of people who attended the service.
Mr Merlino then stayed to enjoy the gunfire breakfast provided by volunteers at the RSL, along with many others.
As the rain started to fall at 9.45am. the traditional Anzac Day march was held in Main Street, Upwey that led back to the RSL for the 10am commemoration service.
The wet and cold weather was no match for the hundreds of people who participated in the march led by Upwey High School music students.
Veterans, current service men and women, emergency service groups, Scout groups and local townspeople all walked the street in a show of respect for past and current Anzacs.
Meanwhile, at the Upper Ferny Creek Avenue of Honour, the atmosphere on Saturday was electric due to the early morning mist creeping through the trees.
Dandenong Ranges RSL president Peter Rickard led proceedings for the Anzac Day Dawn Service, with guest speaker Lieutenant Mile Glamcevski explaining to the crowd his connection with Anzac Day.
Lt Glamcevski spoke of his father’s involvement in conflict, as well as those who personified the Anzac spirit.
“We cannot forget these men were not a contingent of professional soldiers,” he said.
“But ordinary Australians who believed in protecting their loved ones.
“They believed in perseverance and looking after one another.”
At Monbulk, a huge crowd lined the streets to witness the mid-morning Anzac march from the Mitre 10 store to the Monbulk RSL.
Monbulk RSL president Bill Ford welcomed the community and the special guests, who included Vietnam Veteran and Monbulk RSL vice-president John Surridge and Monbulk MP James Merlino.
Also addressing the crowd was Max Cowie, who spoke of his grandfather and Monbulk war hero, James Cowie.
Max described his grandfather as a complex man, but one who thoroughly deserved the plaudits he received, including being awarded the Military Cross.
James Cowie fought in WWI and WWII, including at Gallipoli and France.
This website holds more Anzac Day stories and photos – and stories from last week’s special Anzac Centenary edition – explore at mail.starcommunity.com.au
