Anzac spirit thrives: Thousands defy weather to honour fallen heroes

By John Van Klaveren
WET and windy weather failed to weary thousands of patrons attending Anzac Day services and marches across the region on Wednesday.
Commemorations began with a 4.15am pre-dawn service at Peace Memorial in Geelong’s Johnstone Park before culminating in beers and two-up at a packed Geelong RSL.
A solitary PC-9/A aircraft from Central Flying School, RAAF East Sale, flew over the Johnstone Park service.
Services were also held at Geelong’s Boer War Memorial, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Queenscliff and Norlane and Inverleigh RSL sub-branches.
The region’s largest service, at Torquay’s Point Danger, attracted 6000 patrons.
Retired Warrant Officer Paul Copeland used the service to honour Australian soldiers who “fought for the freedoms and liberty” taken for granted.
Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove veterans celebrated the first Anzac Day since the amalgamation of their clubs in September.
Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL’s John Dickinson said members were working cooperatively after “throwing rocks at each other for so many years”.
Geelong RSL sub-branch president Rodney Meeke said falling in the middle of the working week meant Anzac Day had a different “feel” to last year.
“Anzac Day falls outside the school holidays but we expected and received good support from the public,” he said.
“Services in recent years have seen increases in attendance. This year marks the 70th anniversay of Kokoda.
“About 30 different armed services units marched, with a greater complement of younger veterans from East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Have the younger veterans adds a different tone and emphasies the importance of the defence forces and those who anwer the call.
“It helps to keep the tradition of Gallipoli alive.”