MELBOURNE—Three generations of the Harland family today gathered for their first Anzac Day dawn service together.
Joe Harland, 61, his son Karl, 34, and grandson Jarryd, 8, all from Sunshine, in Melbourne's west, were among the tens of thousands who came to pay tribute to Australian and New Zealand war heroes at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance.
For the Harlands it was something they'd hoped to do as a family for a long time in remembrance of Joe's father, who fought in WWII.
Karl wore his grandfather's service medals and said he felt proud and somehow linked to history.
"I've always wanted to come," he said.
"My grandfather was in the war, he was in the south east Pacific."
Joe said the service was a fitting tribute to servicemen like his father, and it made him feel proud to see so many people at the dawn service.
"It is just amazing to look out there and see that sea of people," he said.
Young Jarryd said the service was a bit different to what he'd expected he would come again ... but likely with gloves next time.
"I didn't know there was going to be so many people and I didn't know I would have to stand for so long," he said.
"My dad had to warm my hands up."
The Melbourne service was one of hundreds held around the state to honour the Anzacs.
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