For the third year running the dawn service attracted record crowds, breaking 1000 for the first time.

RSL president Ray Caldwell said it was great to see so many generations present.

"I love seeing so many kids here. I have already been approached by a few schools who want to be involved next year, which is great."

One of the youngest members of the crowd was Lachlan Burnett, 3, who came with his father, former army engineer Mark Burnett.

Mr Burnett joined the army as a teenager, celebrating his 18th birthday at a training base.

He was posted in 1989 to Namibia in Africa where he spent a year working as an engineer during the civil unrest.

Mr Burnett spent his time building refugee camps, upgrading airports and roads and disarming mines.

"It was really interesting and I loved it. I was looking forward to coming home but once I was home I wanted to go back again. Coming back you slip back into training mode but once you've known [active duty] for real it is never the same."

Mr Burnett said while he always paid his respects on Anzac Day, he felt some discomfort about wearing his medals.

"I don't feel right about it because I know what we did was more sedate than what the Anzacs did. But I bring the little one along and teach him all about it."

Following the service visitors were treated to a free breakfast, courtesy of the Pakenham Rotary Club.

President Julie Crawford said about 30 volunteers worked from the early hours of the morning to provide the feast.