Respect and remembrance

Thousands gathered at Monbulk Anzac Day dawn services and lined the streets for the march.

By Derek Schlennstedt

Thousands of people gathered at various Anzac Day events across the Dandenong Ranges to commemorate the 103rd anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli.

In the early hours of the morning thousands of people watched the sun rise as Anzac Day dawn services took place, and later  they lined the main streets of Upwey, Gembrook, Cockatoo, Emerald, Monbulk, Mt Evelyn and Sassafras in a show of their appreciation for the sacrifices made, and to honour the generations of men and woman who served, and who are serving, in war.

Veterans proudly wore their medals, and others wore with pride, the medals of family members who served their country in the fields of war around the world.

In Monbulk the service proved to be another heartening collaboration of local community groups, which included the local CFA, police, Country Women’s Association, traders, schools and the RSL.

The Mail captured all the diversity, spirit and energy of the Anzac Day tradition at the Cockatoo, Sherbrooke, Upwey-Belgrave, and Monbulk services. For more photos visit mailcommunity.com.au .