At least 4000 people gathered at Warrnambool’s war memorial to honour those who have fought and died in war across the nation’s history.

Warrnambool RSL Sub-Branch president John Miles said it was also a time to remember the men and women currently serving in the armed forces.

“We also must remember those who 100 years tomorrow formed the RSL in Warrnambool. The RSL is still doing today the work for our veterans and dependents that it was formed to do 100 years ago,” he said.

There were plenty of young faces in the crowd – Warrnambool’s Monty Darcy, 7, paid tribute to his late great-grandfather Alan Murnane, who was a prisoner of war at Ambon, Indonesia during World War II. Alan Murnane hailed from Dixie and was one of the lucky ones who eventually made it home.

Young Monty said it was the third dawn ceremony he had attended to honour his great-grandfather’s service.

Allansford’s Evie Bell, 8, has attended every dawn service since she was born.

She describes Anzac Day as one of her favourite days of the year.

“I like to come here and remember the soldiers and all they have done for Australia,” she said.

Captain Dave Walter, from the Royal Australian Navy, read The Ode at the dawn event.

Captain Walter hails from a sheep farm near Dunkeld, joining the Navy and becoming an engineer after finishing school.

Since falling in love with joining the military after seeing a Navy ship docked at Portland, the job has taken Captain Walter around the world.

“I’ve seen lots, and some things you don’t want to see,” he said.

“I haven’t done a trip to the Gulf, which is our big duty at the moment… there’s more than 8000 serving Navy personnel over there at the moment.”

Standing at Warrnambool’s war memorial, Captain Walter said Australians were lucky to enjoy the freedoms they do.

“We are standing here, and we are safe,” he said.

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