As the Covid-19 outbreak continues, all Anzac Day services across the country have sadly been cancelled for 2020. The announcement was made last month as the government began to crack down on public gatherings as a result of increased social distancing rules.
This marks the first time that Anzac Day services have been officially called off since the Spanish flu outbreak in 1919. However, the government is doing everything in their power to ensure that Australians will still be able to honour veterans and serving defence personnel this Saturday from the safety of their own homes.
On the morning of April 25, the ABC will broadcast the commemorative service (previously known as Dawn Service) nation-wide from The Australian War Memorial in the ACT. The broadcast will begin its pre-service programming at 5am with the official service starting at 5:30am AEST.
The event is strictly not open for the public to physically attend but it can be viewed on ABC’s free-to-air TV channel, or streamed online via the ABC’s Facebook page or Youtube channel. It will also be made available on the radio as well as shown on other TV networks to ensure it is as easy as possible for the Australian public to access.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that although Anzac Day will definitely feel different this year, due to there being no community commemorative services or marches, the nation plans on doing everything possible to honour, commemorate and thank all past, present and future Anzacs.
“This year, we will not be gathering at the local cenotaph, or attending gunfire breakfasts at the local RSL, or gathering together to bow our heads in silence and listen to the bugles at dawn,” he said. “But we will still remember the sacrifice of those who gave so much for us at Gallipoli and on many fronts, as we ourselves give what we can to protect Australian lives while we face this terrible virus.”
The revised memorial service will have no veteran march and no members of the general public attending to comply with safety codes, however the Chief Medical Officer has allowed an exemption of social distancing for the service so that the necessary officials can attend.
The Prime Minister will deliver the commemorative address alongside dignitaries representing Australia, New Zealand, the Returned and Services League (RSL), and veterans. There will also be a ceremonial piper, didgeridoo player and bugler among other traditional elements, supplied by the Australian Defence Force.
In addition to taking part in the service, the RSL is also encouraging Australians to show their Anzac spirit at home by safely participating in their own dawn service through the #lightupthedawn campaign.
The campaign asks Australians to stand in their driveway, balcony or living room with a torch or candle following the televised service to remember those who have served and sacrificed. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Darren Chester also suggests that although we cannot physically gather to commemorate the service, there are a number of things we can do show our respect.
“Whether it’s a solitary driveway tribute, baking Anzac biscuits, a small ceremony with your household, sharing a message for our service personnel, or watching the televised service from the Australian War Memorial on the morning of 25 April, I encourage everyone to pause, reflect and say a simple ‘thank you for your service’,” he said.
Or, if you’re looking for alternative ways to mark the day, check out our article here.