ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICE MELBOURNE 2023

Written by RSL Victoria
25 April 2023

40,000 Victorians roused before daylight to pay their respects to current and past servicemen and servicewomen, converging on the Shrine of Remembrance for the Dawn Service.

Following a minute’s silence, the service, led by MC Justin Smith included a recital of the Ode and a bugle sounding the Last Post and the Reveille before an address by Lieutenant Governor of Victoria, Professor James Angus AO. Guest speaker Caitlin Fankhauser recited ‘In Flanders Field’ before the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the official Navy Band performed ‘Abide By Me’.

The Lieutenant Governor General initiated the Wreath Laying Ceremony followed by the Official Party laying poppies to the sounds of ‘The Sands of Kuwait’ performed by Pipers and the Navy Band.

Those who turned out for the Dawn Service were rewarded with a most vibrant sunrise, a serendipitous start to a day held so dear by so many Australians.

RSL Victoria President Robert Webster OAM said “It was great to see so many Victorians commemorating ANZAC Day at the Shrine of Remembrance this morning. The Dawn service is always a moving event and this year truly felt like Victoria recaptured the magic of the service at its fullest and most emotive.”

Shrine of Remembrance CEO Dean Lee said “Today, in the still of dawn, 40,000 living joined the 103,000 souls whose memory we honoured. They gave their all, and we remembered them: in silence, in peace, in appreciation.”