Foreshore Anzac commemoration in Busselton
Silence will sweep over the crowd at Busselton Foreshore tomorrow to mark 100 years since the boots of Australian soldiers hit the shores of Gallipoli.
More than 2000 people are expected to attend the Busselton dawn service and memorial service this year, recognising the deaths of thousands of men and women who served their country.
Busselton Returned and Services League sub-branch president Bob Wood said Anzac Day had shaped what it was to be Australian.
"At the beginning of World War I we went as Australians, not English - it was a really defining moment and built the character of Australia," he said.
"They showed mateship, unbelievable bravery and true spirit and that has carried through until now with our current servicemen and women."
Mr Wood said this year's Anzac Day had been in the works since last year.
"It's an important day for people all over Australia, but I think people in Busselton really understand the price the soldiers paid and there has been a strong emphasis on the centenary," he said.
The dawn service will start at 5.45am at the Busselton Foreshore, west of the Equinox, followed by a gunfire breakfast from 6.15am for $5.
The parade assembly area will be on Queen Street between Signal Park at the Busselton Tennis Club from 8.45am, followed by a memorial service at Memorial Park in Victoria Square from 9.15am.
Dunsborough will hold its 40th Anzac Day march this year, followed by a memorial service.
Service and march co-ordinator Phillip Gifford said this year's events had been changed to make way for a larger crowd than ever.
"Because of the centenary, we are expecting it'll be the biggest turnout we have had in Dunsborough, so we're holding the ser- vice outside for the first time," he said.
"Anzac Day is the single bigg- est event of the year for Dunsborough.
"People come out for it - there is a lot of pressure. We've had so many people volunteering to make this day possible and I really appreciate everyone's help."
The Dunsborough Anzac Day march will begin at The Lions Park from 10.30am, marching down Dunn Bay Road and finishing at the flagpole on the foreshore at 11am. There is no dawn service in Dunsborough
The Anzac Day memorial service will be held at the flagpole at 11am, followed by a Diggers lunch at the Dunsborough and Districts Club. The Busselton RSL will be open for morning tea, lunch, fellowship, footy and two-up.
