National call to driveways
ABC broadcast and stream: The national ceremony will still take place at the Australian War Memorial, but without the usual public attendance. Photo: Vikky Wilkes.
As soon as the earliest restrictions on group gatherings needed to be put in place, state RSLs and other organisers of Anzac Day events immediately knew that all ceremonies would be affected.
An idea that can be traced back at least as far as a Victorian man who called into a radio station in March, quickly gained momentum around the nation.
State RSL bodies have gotten right behind this idea, and that is going out to your driveway, front gate or balcony, or even just standing in the living room at the time of the dawn service to show your support, much in the same way that various cities have been clapping or banging pots and pans at a specific time in the evening to show support for their health care workers.
In a statement on March 16, NSWRSL acting state president Ray James said "The RSL has a responsibility to act in the best interests of veterans and the general public. In these uncertain times we must follow the advice of medical experts and do everything we can to protect the community."
Light up at Dawn: Head to your driveway or balcony at 6am and light up the dawn. Carefully holding a lit candle is an option for some.
His March 16 statement also said "Anzac Day (is) a marker of our respect and admiration for Anzacs past and present will still be observed. Exactly what form this will take will be different from previous years, but as custodians of commemoration, the RSL will still honour the service and sacrifice of our brave servicemen and women. In these challenging times, we will remember them." And we now know what form that commemoration will take.
A dawn service will still take place at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, but it is not open to the public. Current scheduling says that the ABC will broadcast and live-stream the National Anzac Day Ceremony across their various platforms from 5.30am so tune into that to feel more of a part of the commemoration.
The state RSLs say there are a number of things you can do on, and even before, the day to show your support this year, not just for the memory of our Anzacs, but also for each other.
LIGHT UP THE DAWN
Following RSL Queensland's lead, RSLNSW says "At 6am on Anzac Day, go to the end of your driveway or stand on your balcony and listen to a brief commemorative service. Together - even while apart - we'll remember those who served and sacrificed. You can sign the pledge to light up the dawn at rslanzacspirit.com.au".
CONTACT FRIENDS
"Reach out to a mate who might be alone. Many people are alone during this time of isolation. It's an opportunity to invoke the Anzac value of mateship and check to see how a mate is doing."
DONATE
Visit the Anzac Appeal online at anzacappeal.com.au. Donations support Australian veterans and their families in need.
