Vic: Thousands gather at Melbourne s Shrine of Remembrance

AAP General News (Australia)
04-25-2000
Vic: Thousands gather at Melbourne s Shrine of Remembrance

MELBOURNE, April 25 AAP - Thousands today gathered at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance
early on a chilly autumn morning to commemorate Anzac Day.

Young and old mingled with war veterans and servicemen and women to commemorate 85
years since the landing of troops on the Gallipoli Peninsular in World War I.

The dawn service commenced with the laying of a wreath inscribed with the words: "Greater
love hath no man."

Victoria's RSL President, Bruce Ruxton, read verses for "the fallen".

Official commentator Tony Charlton urged Australia to move into the new century with
"hope in its heart and gratitude in its soul".

The crowd joined in to sing the national anthem and to place a poppy in the Bowl of
Remembrance at the shrine.

Others who attended the service included Federal Treasurer Peter Costello, Victoria's
Deputy Premier John Thwaites and Opposition Leader Denis Napthine.

All who gathered at the shrine were invited to the traditional gunfire breakfast outside
Victoria Barracks after the service.

AAP st/rs

KEYWORD: ANZAC DAWN VIC

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