Anzac Day sentiment remains as strong in Melbourne, 104 years on

When the Aussie troops spat blood and dirt on the shores of Gallipoli, there would surely never have been talk that their fight would be remembered more than a century on — yet tens of thousands of Melburnians stood in their memory this morning.

When the Aussie troops spat blood and dirt on the hopeless shores of Gallipoli, there would surely never have been talk that their desperate fight would be remembered more than a century on.

Yet as first light broke across Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance today, more than 25,000 people stood in their memory.

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A sole sniper, positioned high above the assembled crowd served as a tangible reminder, that while the Great War ended long ago, the new fight against twisted minds and ugly ideology continued.

Organisers said the security concerns were not to blame for the dip in numbers — 10,000 less than last year.

Crowds gather during the Anzac Day dawn service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. Picture: AAP Image/David Crosling

A sniper is seen on the roof as part of the security on the day. Picture: AAP Image/David Crosling

But the sentiment for the 104th anniversary of the Anzac assault remained just as strong.

From the hushed surroundings of Melbourne’s eternal flame to the French battlefields of Villers–Bretonneux and the crooked shores of the Turkish peninsula, thousands of Australians and New Zealanders gathered to remember the men whose determined fight helped define the spirit of both nations.

Wearing the medals of both his grandfathers who served in WWII, Chris Talbot, 33, of Watsonia, said he was determined to continually honour their memory.

“If there is a fear in attending these events, then I think heading along is more important than ever,” he said.

“We have to remember that war is terrible and I need to honour what my grandfathers did.

“Some people believe that we don’t need to anymore and I think that’s crazy.”

Premier Daniel Andrews said he had sought the advice of members of this local RSL sub-branch in Noble Park ahead of his dawn service address.

Bagpipe players at this morning’s Anzac Day dawn service in Melbourne. Picture: AAP Image/David Crosling

Tens of thousands gathered to pay tribute to Australia’s Diggers. Picture: AAP Image/David Crosling

They had spoken of the unsung heroes of the Gallipoli campaign and every trial since — all those mothers, fathers, husbands and wives, children and grandchildren left to grapple with the reality of war and the loss of loved ones.

They deserved a medal.

Yet how to thank those brave diggers who paid the ultimate price?

Perhaps that was far easier.

“The answer is as simple as it is powerful,” Mr Andrews said.

“Stand here at this hour in this still, dark, sacred place and remember them.

“Remember that they came from every corner of Victoria and Australia, every walk of life, every background. United in their camaraderie, duty and courage.”

The traditional Anzac Day march showcased scores of defence force battalions which made their mark in campaigns around the world.

Servicegoers reflect on the occasion at the eternal flame. Picture: William West/AFP

A tender moment after the dawn service. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The most determined WWII diggers set off on foot but others, long passed, were honoured by those they left behind.

Vanessa Whitelaw and children Lotte, 8 and Tyler, 10 attended for the first time in memory of Mrs Whitelaw’s grandfather, Leslie Donald Bateup of Yass, a WWII veteran.

“Pop served on the HMAS Geelong, Sydney and Perth — and he was bombed off Darwin and had to swim back to shore,” Mrs Whitelaw said. “He’s our hero.”

Three generations of Vietnam veteran Michael Masliczek’s family marched proudly — son Michael, daughter-in-law Cassandra Evans and 10-month old Mia.

“It’s remembering all the ones we’ve lost — and have a bit of fun with the ones who are still here,” Mr Masliczek Snr said.

For Mrs Evans, whose grandfather also fought in WWII, said Anzac Day was close to her heart.

Crowds gathered to honour Australia’s diggers and their sacrifices. Picture: AAP Image/David Crosling

A veteran walks past the Shrine of Remembrance on Anzac Day. Picture: William West/AFP

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“Today is so special, I get so emotional. Having Mia’s great-grandfather and grandfather in the wars, for her to know that they fought for us — it’s really important,” she said.

Robert Joyce, a Vietnam veteran, wife Gloria and six-year-old granddaughter Imogen Dreissen come every year.

They said Anzac Day had become even more special as their grandchildren began to understand its importance.

“Imogen has come every year since she was born, she would have been a month old when she was up on shoulders at the march,” Mr Joyce said.

“To me, it’s a march in many ways for the freedoms we currently enjoy that we have fought so hard to achieve. It’s an opportunity to be with old friends and talk about old times.

“We’re incredibly proud to have our family march alongside us. We’re very lucky.”