‘Massive’ turnout for city Anzac Day Dawn Service

THE cold did not stop Bendigo people turning out in droves to mark Anzac Day at the traditional Dawn Service at the Bendigo Military Museum this morning.

Bendigo District RSL Sub-branch president Glenn Ludeman, who spoke at the service, described the crowd as “massive”.

“It was an outstanding turnout,” Mr Ludeman said. “There were so many veterans I’ve never met before.

“It was nice to see some faces we haven’t seen for a long time, and some that we haven’t seen before.”

While an accurate attendance figure was difficult to estimate, Mr Ludeman said the crowd stretched well back from the museum forecourt towards the nearby Alexandra Fountain.

The Dawn Service in the city coincided with a similar event at Eaglehawk, with the official Morning Service at each location following later this morning. The city march took place after the Morning Service.

Speaker at the Bendigo service was former peacekeeper and Anzac Day ambassador Carl Chirgwin, in keeping with the statewide theme this year of ‘Peacekeepers, Peacemakers and Peacebuilders’.

“We saw a lot of members who have served as peacekeepers,” Mr Ludeman said.

He said such big attendances at Anzac Day services and events truly made veterans feel appreciated.

“Anzac Day honours those who have served, those who are still serving, and the 103,021 who made the supreme sacrifice in service.”

Mr Ludeman made special mention of the families of service men and women, who even now “suffer in silence” as they constantly await news of the welfare of their loved ones.

While the major events were in the city and at Eaglehawk, commemorations and other Anzac Day activities have been taking place today throughout the region including in Huntly, Kangaroo Flat and more.

And once the flag goes back to full mast at midday after the completion of commemorative activities, veterans, their families and others will go on to continue their celebrations in their own ways.

In the case of the RSL sub-branch, it’s a free roast lunch for veterans at the headquarters in Havilah Road, Long Gully.