The streets were dark, illuminated by the moon, and the morning air was crisp.
Yet, despite the early hour, over 200 people gathered to answer the call and attended Tatura’s dawn service on Anzac Day.
Sue Green, who has a son currently serving, was present.
“It’s great to see so many people turn up,” she said.
Starting at 6am, the event attracted young and old, who joined to commemorate the sacrifice made by Australians and New Zealanders 109 years ago.
“My grandpa was part of it and fought for our country. Waking up early one day a year to honour this sacrifice is nothing,” Dylan Burls said.
RSL vice-president Rod Schubert hosted the ceremony and welcomed those assembled.
“I’m always very pleased to see the number of children and younger people here who keep the Anzac spirit alive,” he said.
“I want to make sure that we remember our Anzacs, and I hope this service does them justice.
“Our commitment to World War I comprised of ordinary Australians who believed strongly in a cause, world peace, and rather than leave it up to someone else, took it upon themselves to do something about it.
“They gave up their normal lives in the peace and quiet of the bush, country areas and cities of pre-war Australia because they felt it was their duty.”
As Tatura RSL secretary Mark Sommers read In Flanders Fields, attendees were solemn:
“We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.”
After the poem, there was a prayer, and Mr Schubert read the Anzac Ode.
Sarah Clack played The Last Post on her bugle, leading into a quiet moment of silence to remember the fallen. As the words “Lest we forget” echoed, the Australian flag ascended to full mast, and the national anthem was played.
The ceremony concluded shortly after with a traditional gunfire breakfast prepared by the Lions Club of Tatura.
“We would like to give a special thanks to the Lions Club for getting up so early in this chilly weather to ensure that everyone gets fed,” Mr Schubert said.
He also thanked Josh’s Rainbow Eggs for donating 400 eggs, which made the Anzac Day breakfast possible.
As the sun rose, marking the end of the service, everyone had the chance to mingle and enjoy a bacon and egg sandwich, along with coffee or tea, while reflecting on those who made the ultimate sacrifice for Australia.
Dianne Downie, who tries to attend every year, said her great-uncle, Mervyn Trevaskis, was a prisoner of war. She explained why attending Anzac Day commemorations was important.
“Looking up to the Anzacs. We can’t imagine what answering that call to serve would’ve been like,” she said.
“We get courage from the sacrifice they made.”