Acknowledge Veterans - Light up the Dawn

The world is battling the intrusion of a global health crisis; an enemy we can’t see; countries, cities, towns and households are asked to restrict their movements and arm themselves with social distancing measures and high standards of hygiene.

Across Australia, RSL branches have made the decision to cancel public ANZAC Day services and commemorations.

RSL NSW’s Acting State President Ray James announced in a letter to members on 16 March 2020, “the risk to vulnerable people during the current health situation is simply too high for these events to continue 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,” said Mr James.

So this year, ANZAC Day will look different but we can all play our role to the mark the day and acknowledge the contribution of those who were responsible for the ANZAC traditions, and their stories of service and sacrifice.

In response to the cancelation of the ANZAC Day dawn services and commemorations across the Shire, Moree Plains Shire Council is encouraging residents across the Plains to participate in an at-home dawn service dubbed ‘Light up the Dawn’.

At 6am this Saturday 25 April, residents are encouraged to stand at the end of their driveway, on kerbsides and nature strips, on balconies and decks and observe one minute’s silence.

Mayor Katrina Humphries applauds the creativity being used to acknowledge the ANZACs while abiding by social distancing restrictions.

“ANZAC Day ceremonies are quite the tradition across our country, and rightly so.

“Over recent years, we are seeing more and more community members participating in ANZAC Day commemorations and taking the time to acknowledge the service of our veterans.

“Yes, how we will remember in 2020 needs to be different but importantly, we all have the opportunity to remember. I applaud the community members and official bodies who have adapted the commemorations in these unprecedented times.

“Standing together, although a part, during this current crisis on ANZAC Day shows tremendous signs of strength in our community and across the nation”, Mayor Humphries said. 

In addition to the ‘Light up the Dawn’ at-home dawn service, RSL NSW also invites Australians to invoke the ANZAC value of mateship and reach out to individuals who might be isolating on their own during these times and remind them that they are not alone.

Photo credit - Federal Government’s ANZAC Day image.