As a result of the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak, it’s fair to say that this year’s Anzac Day celebrations are going to look a little different. While you might typically attend a Dawn Service or spend the day at your local RSL club, all public celebrations have been cancelled for 2020 as the country adheres to strict social distancing guidelines.
It is the first time in over a century that Anzac Day celebrations have been officially called off, leaving many people feeling upset at the change in tradition or wondering how to pay their respects this Saturday, April 25.
So, while we can’t commemorate the day in public, here are five alternative ways you can honour past, present and future Anzacs this weekend.
Unfortunately you won’t be able to tuck into a traditional gunfire breakfast at the local RSL this weekend, but there is nothing stopping you from whipping up your own to enjoy.
Originally, gunfire was a British drink made from black tea and rum, which was served to soldiers before a morning attack as a form of Dutch courage. But over the years, the concept of a gunfire breakfast has been adapted, and most Aussies now enjoy bacon and eggs on the morning of April 25, or a little tipple of coffee and rum.
If a loved one served in the armed forces, why not create your own shrine at home to honour them, and the many others who have made sacrifices to protect their country. A simple way to do this is to use photographs, candles, flags and even flowers and foliage, to create a small shrine, perhaps in one corner of your garden, on the deck, or even just in your living room.
You could then use this designated area as the place where you will watch or listen to the national commemorative service, which is being held at The Australian War Memorial in the ACT from 5am on Saturday morning.
Did you know that rosemary has long been associated with the Anzacs? The link dates back to the First World War as the herb is native to the seaside regions of the Mediterranean, and grows in abundance in the Gallipoli Peninsula. So why not mark Anzac Day by planting some in your own yard?
Or, if you or a neighbour already have some in the garden, why not take some cuttings and make a commemorative wreath to hang on your door. If you’re unsure how to do this, RSL Queensland shared a helpful video on their Facebook page. And, as you can’t spend time with your grandkids at the moment, why not send them the link to the video so they can try their hand at making a wreath of their own.
https://www.facebook.com/RSLQueensland/videos/559362588024973/
Anzac biscuits are a treat you no doubt enjoy all-year round, but on April 25 the chewy oaty snacks are all the more special. These traditional biscuits are thought to have first been created during World War One, with the wives and families of soldiers baking them to send to soldiers overseas because the ingredients do not spoil easily.
Quintessentially Australian, most families have their own tried-and-tested recipe that has been passed down through the generations. Or, if you want to try baking a batch of your own delicious Anzac biscuits, click here for our easy-to-follow recipe.
You might have noticed – or not, depending how strictly you have been self-isolating – a distinct lack of Anzac Appeal fundraisers on the streets in recent weeks. Typically, the fundraisers would be out in force in the run-up to Anzac Day, selling badges to raise money for veterans. However this year, due to Covid-19, that has not been possible.
So, if you would usually donate and have not yet done so, you could celebrate Anzac Day by making a donation to the charitable appeal online.