By KATH GANNAWAY
RUGGED up against the chill, Jacob Tomlinson and his young family stood in remembrance alongside hundreds of people, young and old, at the Millgrove Dawn Service.
As with many, he was there to pay personal tribute, as well as to honour all those who have fought and died in wars from the Boer War to Afghanistan.
From the time he received his great grandfather, Fred Edwards’, medals – found after his death in a tin in his garage, Jacob said he had attended the Anzac Day service.
The family, partner, Marissa and sons Max, Jack and Sam, also honour Fred’s brothers, Jim and Henry, WWI veterans. Henry died at 14, having lied about his age to enlist.
The Dawn Service is a whole of community effort, organised by community groups and Warburton RSL.
Introducing the service, Andy Bennett from Wesburn-Millgrove CFA, said what an honour it was to be together “for this sacred honour”.
Wayne Morgan from Warburton RSL spoke of the tragedy in November 1941 of the sinking of the Sydney with the loss of every one of the 645 personnel on board.
“It is the most devastating loss experienced by the Royal Australian Navy,” he said.
Marches are to take place at Warburton and Yarra Junction this morning, and at Wesburn, the official opening of an Avenue of Honour recognising 18 local fallen soldiers will take place at noon.
