Vic:Thousands expected to brave the cold for Anzac Day service
MELBOURNE, April 24 AAP - Crowds matching last year's 10,000 are expected to turn outfor Anzac Day commemorations in Melbourne tomorrow despite forecasts of cold and rainyweather.
Veterans, their descendants and serving troops will gather at the Shrine of Remembrancefor a dawn service at 5.45am (AEST) before marching down St Kilda Road from 9am (AEST).
A forecast cool change may deter some, but with more young people braving the morningchill every year, crowds are expected to reach last year's 10,000.
The Bureau of Meteorology said Anzac Day would be cold with some rain and a top temperatureof 18 degrees Celsius.
Australian Red Cross and Salvation Army volunteers will serve Anzac biscuits, tea andcoffee at the dawn service and after the parade later in the morning.
Victorian Premier Steve Bracks will be among those paying tribute to the men and womenwho gave their lives for their country.
Outgoing Victorian RSL president Bruce Ruxton will join the service for the last timein an official capacity as he bows out after more than 40 years at the helm.
But the outspoken veteran has not retired from the latest debate concerning suggestionsthat children should be allowed to march to perpetuate the Anzac story as the ranks ofveterans dwindle.
Mr Ruxton said yesterday that Anzac Day marches would turn into festivals like Melbourne'sMoomba parade if children were encouraged to march.
Meanwhile, Victorian scouts aged over 14 will join in as they have down for the last50 years, helping to carry banners and transport veterans.
Travel on public transport around Melbourne is free for veterans wearing medals andfor members of the Defence Force in uniform.
Most shops will close between midnight tonight and 1pm tomorrow (AEST) as a mark of respect.
Completing the Anzac Day tradition, a huge crowd of up to 90,000 is expected at theMCG for the AFL clash between Essendon and Collingwood.
As a prelude to the match, two navy Seahawk helicopters will hover over the groundas six instructors from HMAS Cerberus `fast rope' down to the playing surface.
Former Collingwood football stars Peter Daicos and Dennis Banks will land in the secondSeahawk carrying the game's footballs.
AAP svm/clr/ldj/las
KEYWORD: ANZAC VIC
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