FED: People of all ages gather at Melbourne's war memorial

AAP General News (Australia)
04-25-2008
FED: People of all ages gather at Melbourne's war memorial

MELBOURNE, April 25 AAP - Tens of thousands of people attended Melbourne's Anzac Day
dawn service at the Shrine of Remembrance today.

People who began arriving well before 4am (AEST) for the 5.45am service, stood in respectful
silence as flags flew at half mast in tribute to Australian and New Sealand war heroes.

The air force band and a choir performed the hymn Be Still My Soul in tribute to those
who were lost.

People young and old were reminded that Australian soldier were buried in 78 countries
around the world.

The service began in darkness with the playing of the Last Post and ended in the dawn
light with a sole bag piper playing on top of the Shrine.

Governor David de Kretser led an official party to lay a wreath in the shrine on behalf
of all Victorians and thousands then made their way inside to lay a poppy in tribute and
gratitude to those who fought.

AAP kn/jlw

KEYWORD: ANZAC VIC

2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.