By Tanya Steele
Upwey Belgrave RSL commemorated ANZAC Day this year with a full program, bringing locals together in a shared spirit of remembrance and unity.
The day began at 6am with the Dawn Service, offering a moment of quiet reflection in the stillness before sunrise.
The standing ceremony, packed the RSL grounds in the pre-dawn air and was broadcast live via 3MDR Radio.
Following the service, attendees shared in the tradition of a Gunfire Breakfast, enjoying egg and bacon sandwiches together at the RSL.
By mid-morning, the streets of Upwey came alive as veterans and service personnel took part in the Veterans’ March down Main Street, to meet again at the RSL for the morning service.
Both services featured a heartfelt ANZAC Day address from President Fred Schmager, with the mounting of the guard by by Australian Army cadets at 31ACU.
The Roulettes made a scheduled flyover around 10.15am as students from Mater Christi College told Anzac Day stories to the crowd and wreaths were laid.
The Last Post echoed through the crowd, followed by the Rouse, Flag Raising and National Anthems from Australia and New Zealand sung by students from the Mater Christi College.
After the ceremony, morning tea was provided for veterans and their immediate families, while crowds gathered to reflect and connect.
