The Dawn Service is the start of a day special to those who have served, or who are still serving, in a military capacity. It is also no less important to those who remember those family members or friends who paid the supreme sacrifice during past wars and battles.
It does not matter on whose side you fought or where you were, you were simply carrying out orders in the belief that once the day was done and the battle won, tomorrow would bring a better place.
The meaning of Anzac Day as summed up by Melbourne teenager, Jessica Wyle, "just remembering all the people who've died in previous wars and the people who are fighting for us and how they gave up their lives and how they gave up their families, just to give us a good, safe place to live".
Seven SAMVOA members and their families rose to start the day at around 04h30 on a mild, clear sky morning to take up a position close to the flame of rememberance at the Melbourne Shrine. It was only as the sun started to bring a tinge of light to a star filled darkness that the temperature suddenly dropped to around 5˚C. Fortunately, after about two hours, some warmth returned which would continue throughout the day. A day with no rain and very little wind. Ideal conditions for such an occasion.
The silence that prevails, once the service commences, allows one to reflect in thoughts personal in a feeling of total isolation that belies the fact that around you are gathered 30,000 others. It is understood that this was the number of attendees at this years Dawn Service. The crowds swelling to a further 80,000 during the day.
The Gunfire breakfast provided by the Australian Defence Catering Corp, was as usual plentiful, and certainly reminiscent of the days of long queues , vark panne and dixies. Comments like “ How come you got three sausages and I only got two” and “ What would an army breakfast be without baked beans.” brought a knowing smile to a few.
Now to the march which, unfortunately, although our step off time was scheduled for 12h05, only commenced at around 12h50. We had 23 Veterans participate including our three WW2 Veterans. Veterans Tom Robinson and Cliff Everton led the column travelling in a Ford WW2 Jeep. Veteran Dirk Ballot marched with Tony Mcquet and Mike Black to his left and right.
Our Banner bearers this year were Neil Skilton- son of Walter Skilton and Kirsten Macquet, Tony Macquet’s daughter.
Participants in this year’s march were Veterans:
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We were privileged once again to have three fellow Veteran Rhodesians bringing up the rear of our contingent. They were Stanley, Alan Campbell and Mary Carlton.
Thank you to all our members who participated in this years march. We are well recognised for being a group of ex-soldiers who dress smartly, march smartly and who add to the decorum of the event. It is pleasing to receive loud applause from the crowds as we march the roughly 2,5 km from Federation Square along St Kilda road to the shrine, a sure sign that we are welcome and appreciated for doing what we do.
To those, who for various reasons did not participate in this years event, I hope that you will join us next year for the Anzac commemoration. I strongly urge you to participate in the two parades for which we, as the South African Military Veterans Organisation of Australasia commit ourselves – ANZAC Day; April 25 and Remembrance Day; November 11.
Following the march, lunch and liquid refreshment was enjoyed at Bells Hotel. It was pleasing to see children enjoying time with parents and grand parents.
Another ANZAC day is over. Let’s build towards our next.
Lest we forget
Mike Black
President Victoria
