RSL encourages Australians to take part in Community Ode

Letter from Acting Minister for Veterans, Geoff Lee MP and Acting State President, RSL NSW, Ray James.

As you would be aware, RSL NSW made the decision to cancel all Anzac Day commemorations in 2020 due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges we all face as a result of its spread.

This is consistent with the approach of all state and territory RSL organisations in Australia, and has the support of all State and Territory Governments and the Commonwealth Government.

The risk to vulnerable people during the current health crisis is simply too high for these events to continue in their traditional format, reinforced more recently by the revised regulations around gatherings being restricted to a maximum of 2 people.

We strongly advise that your council supports the decision to cancel commemoration services in your council area, and assists us in communicating this message to local organisers of Anzac Day commemorations or events that usually take place.

In light of the challenges we face, there has never been a more important time for our generation of Australians to unite and reflect on the sacrifices of our citizens, particularly as 2020 marks 75 years since the ending of World War II.

We are encouraging you and your communities to support the individual televised commemoration of this important day which will be hosted by RSL NSW and the NSW Government through various digital channels.

The NSW Anzac Day Service from the Anzac Memorial will be broadcast live at 10:00am on ABC TV and streamed on the Anzac Memorial Facebook page.

If you would like further information on the planned televised commemoration service, please contact RSL on 1300 679 775.

We thank you for your assistance and cooperation in these very difficult circumstances for us all.

 Statement from The Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) Yass-Sub Branch 

Following discussions with the NSW Government, RSL NSW made the decision to cancel all public ANZAC Day commemoration services across the state. The risk to vulnerable people during the current health situation is simply too high for these events to be held in their traditional format.

Given the significant concerns around the spread of COVID-19, it would be irresponsible to allow such large gatherings as we see each year on ANZAC Day to go ahead. 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.

When times are tough, Australians have always relied on the distinctive qualities of mateship, humour, ingenuity, courage and endurance to get us through. Known as the ANZAC Spirit, these five qualities have defined Australians ever since the first troops landed on the beaches of Gallipoli in World War I.

 In the current climate, we’re reminding Australians that we all bear these qualities within us, ready to come to the fore when we need them.

ANZAC Day 2020 in the Yass Valley will be very different to ANZAC Days of previous years. While we will not be gathering at services or marches, there are still ways to acknowledge ANZAC Day and ensure Australian servicemen and women are appropriately remembered.

At 5.30 am on ANZAC Day, go to the end of your driveway and with a candle, light up the dawn and listen to the ABC broadcast the National Commemorative Service live from The Australian War Memorial.  At 6.00am, Yass FM and ABC local radio will broadcast The Ode, The Last Post and a one-minute silence, as Australians stop and remember those who have served and sacrificed in wars for this nation.  

Including The Ode and The Last Post, followed by a one-minute silence, which will be broadcast at 11.30am on Yass FM and ABC television and regional radio stations. Timing of this broadcast was chosen to mark the approximate time (AEST) the first Australian troops landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula.  

For those who would like to lay a wreath at the your local memorial, please ensure you comply with the current restrictions on social gatherings and distancing.

Due to current restrictions, the RSL Sub-Branch is unable to sell Anzac badges this year. Badge sales support those Australian veterans and their families in need.  This year we ask you to donate online

Lest we forget

The RSL has encouraged Australians to take part in a Community Ode, inviting people to pay their respects through recording a video of themselves reciting The Ode and posting to their social media in the lead-up to ANZAC Day.

This is one of several ways people can show their ANZAC Spirit, calling on the ANZAC quality of ingenuity and finding a new way to show respect for our veterans at this time. Some well-known Australians have already recorded their own video messages. This includes television personality and newsreader Georgie Gardner, Australian actor Dan Ewing, Studio 10 co-host and columnist Joe Hildebrand, Commando Damien Thomlinson and 4-Time Olympian Shane Heal and media personality Matt de Groot. The initial supporter video can be seen HERE.

With commemorations changing in the face of strict COVID-19 precautions, these video messages of support will grow as ANZAC Day approaches, demonstrating the appreciation of the community towards members of the Australian Defence Force and all veterans and their families.

As part of the #lightupthedawn initiative, the Community Ode and other activities enable all Australians to play an active role in ANZAC Day commemorations during this unprecedented time, when traditional events including dawn services around the state and around the country are not able to take place.

Messages can also be personal tributes, photos and other messages of support. By using the hashtags #ANZACspirit and #lightupthedawn, these messages will form of a collective community movement of commemoration, thanks and appreciation. Participants are invited to post their messages of support on the ANZAC Day 2020 – Light up the dawn event page.

“The Ode is a crucial element of all ANZAC Day services, its words embedded in the hearts and minds of Australians as a way we can solemnly communicate our enduring appreciation for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. The Ode is also an enduring promise that we will continue to honour them, and never forget,” said Acting President RSL NSW, Ray James.

“This year, as we cannot come together in person, these video messages alongside any personal messages of support will be one way we all come together in our time of commemoration, albeit virtually.

“As with all other Australians right now, we have to change the way we do things, evolve and make the best of our situation. Nothing can ever take away the importance of ANZAC Day and what it means to all of us, most especially those currently serving, and all veterans and their families.

“Those serving today, and all veterans and their families have given so much to our country, and while we are doing things a little differently this year, what will never change is the eternal respect, thanks and admiration the Australian people have for those who protect us.

“It is also very important to note that while we are all doing things a bit differently at the moment, RSL NSW remains open and available to support and assist veterans and their families.”

 For more information on the #ANZACspirit campaign.

Online donations to support veterans and their families can be made HERE 

Participants can use the hashtags #ANZACspirit and #lightupthedawn when sharing videos of themselves reciting the Ode, or any message of support. Participants are encouraged to post their messages of support to the ANZAC Day 2020 – Light up the dawn event page

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.”

Lest We Forget

22 April 2020

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