Anzac spirit is alive and well

By Shaun Inguanzo
LARGE crowds have delighted local war veterans who are confident the Anzac spirit is alive and well in Greater Dandenong.
Across the city, crowds turned out in near-perfect weather conditions to remember those who have served Australia and paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend their nation. The celebrations began last Sunday with a service at Noble Park RSL, including the unveiling of the club’s new honour roll, which includes Noble Park residents who served in both World Wars and Asian conflicts such as Korea and Vietnam.
It concluded Tuesday with up to 1000 people attending the Cenotaph near Dandenong Plaza for a traditional Anzac Day service, followed by a sausage sizzle and drinks.
Noble Park RSL committee member Alf Goldburg said celebrations were growing larger each year.
“It’s getting bigger. On Sunday, we had twice as many people as in the past.”
Dandenong RSL president Alec Kowarzik said an estimated 400 people attended a dawn service at the Cenotaph before the large march and ceremony.
“The weather helped us out there,” he said.
Dandenong was also the place for private Garth Downes of the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) to celebrate the occasion following the shock and accidental death of his close friend, private Jake Kovco, in Iraq last week.
Choosing to honour the Anzac spirit away from the massive crowds in Melbourne, Pte Downes said his friend lived on in wonderful memories.
“He was a carefree mate, confident, fun to be with, a funny guy which was always good,” he said.
“He would always do the right thing by you.”