ANZAC Day is a special day of national remembrance for all Australians and New Zealanders but it will be a different affair this year. That doesn’t mean we can’t still pay our respects to the incredible men and women who are serving or have served in our armed forces.
Yes, most of the ANZAC Day services have been cancelled because of the government’s cancellation of non-essential gatherings to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus. But the ANZAC spirit is strong and while you can’t go to the Shrine of Remembrance or a Dawn Service, you can still #STANDTO as the Last Post is played on the bugle nearby or on your radio or on TV.
For this solemn day must go on wherever we are because regardless of what’s happening in the world around us, it is important to pay our respects to those who have served and died in war and on operational service. Like many Aussies, I have family who have fought in both World Wars and the Vietnam war, and I am proud of their bravery and commitment to serve their country.
So despite the cancellations on the 25th of April, which mark the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps 1915 landing at Gallipoli, Turkey in World War I, take a look at other ways you can show your respect.
Here is how you can show your respect on Anzac Day, 2020
- Watch the Dawn Service live from the Australian National War Memorial in Canberra on the ABC from 5.30am. A service will also be broadcast from the Anzac Memorial in Sydney at 10am.
- Get the kids involved and bake Anzac biscuits, make poppies and learn about their significance, read some wartime poetry or listen to The Last Post.
- Light up the dawn with the RSL. At 6am, stand at the end of your driveway, on your balcony or at your window and share a moment of silence in honour of the Anzacs. The RSL Anzac Spirit website and a number of radio stations will stream a commemorative service.
- Send an email to support members of the Australian Defence Force who are currently serving at supportthetroops@defence.gov.au
- Take a virtual walk around some of the Anzac battle sites in Gallipoli with the Anzac Walk Audio Tour.
- Learn about the experiences of Australians during wartime through the online collection at the Australian National War Memorial.
- Share your experiences or memories on social media using the hashtags #anzacathome and #anzacspirit
Find more information on the Anzac Portal website.
