By Renee Wood
The community has paused to reflect and honour our service men and women who’ve fought to protect our freedom.
This Anzac Day marks the 107th Anzac Day and the 80th anniversary of the Kokoda Track Campaign and the Battle of the Coral Sea.
In the Upper Yarra, services were held at each town and this year Seville held its first dawn service.
There was a strong show of support as hundreds gathered at the new Seville War Memorial, surrounding the permanent tribute in the delicate darkness of dawn.
Seville War Memorial Committee Chair Anthony McAleer led the morning – also the first in two years to go ahead without any restrictions for the country.
“What other day of the year does Seville have that so many community groups and members of the community come together as one,” Mr McAleer said.
Mr McAleer said the memorial committee wanted to acknowledge all our Anzacs but also those still serving with the Australian Defence Force.
“Since the first Anzac Day service 107 years ago the focus of the day has tended to be on the campaign at Gallipoli… This morning, we will honour that campaign but we will also honour other generations who follwed that example of service, courage and sacrifice,” he said.
Seville Fire Brigade, Seville Football Netball Club and the 1st Seville Scouts paid tribute during the ceremony, reading poems that were written by Seville poets.
The sound of the violin from musician Rachael Hook also pieced the crisp air as she performed ‘We Are One’, Waltzing Matilda and the Australian anthem.
Guest Speaker poet Jim Brown performed ‘As Long as Poppies Dance’ which linked the significance of the French poppy fields, avenues of honour and white crosses.
“An avenue of honour runs right through the town, the tree lined up like diggers who’ve laid their lives down,” Mr Brown sang.
The Seville Roll of Honour reading by Cr David Eastham, was a sombre moment for attendees, hearing of the many local soldiers who lost their lives – some as young as 18 years old.
The service was also supported by Bugler Ian Douglas, playing the Last Post and Mt Evelyn RSL member Peter Paterson conducted the ode.
Lest we forget.
