Anzac strong as ever

By Melissa Meehan
ANZAC Day at Pakenham was bigger and better than ever, with the crowd almost doubling compared to recent years.
With the racecourse covered in mist, rugged-up crowds gathered ahead of the Anzac Day Dawn Service, most wrapped up in jackets and beanies, as they paid their respects on a crisp and foggy morning.
With Pakenham RSL president Don Buntine overseas on other Anzac Day duties, vice-president Gary Elliott took the reins for what was a great service.
Pakenham Rotary provided the popular gunfire breakfast after the service, getting to the racecourse at 4am to feed the troops.
Pakenham RSL’s Norm Joseph said this year marked the 70th anniversary of the Rats of Tobruk, which was the focus of Anzac Day 2011.