Marking Anzac Day in 2020
On 17 March the RSL NSW Board convened an extraordinary meeting to discuss the impact of COVID-19 across New South Wales, and what members can do to stay safe.
“.... No public Anzac Day commemorations should take place across New South Wales in the lead up to, or on Anzac Day” said Acting State President Ray James. “The risk with large gatherings to members and the general public is too great.”
RSL NSW has worked closely with the NSW Government to plan alternative means to show respect and to commemorate on Anzac Day. “Recognition of the service and sacrifice of our servicemen and women is a cornerstone of what the RSL stands for, and Anzac Day will continue to represent that this year, and every year” said Ray James.
As announced on Wednesday, 22 April the 10am NSW Anzac Day Commemoration Service at the Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park will be a closed service, with live broadcast available for television and online. Read the full media alert on the RSL NSW website.
Ways to commemorate Anzac Day 2020
1. Be part of the Community Ode - Record a video of yourself reciting The Ode or sharing a message of support for veterans on your social media. Respond “Going” to the Anzac Day 2020 Facebook event. Then use the hashtags #Anzacspirit and #lightupthedawn and share how you’ll be commemorating, as well as who you’ll be remembering this Anzac Day. You can also be part of the commemorative activities on the Anzac Memorial and RSL NSW Facebook pages.
2. Light up the dawn at 6am on Anzac Day. Go to the end of your driveway, stand on your balcony or in your lounge room and listen to a brief commemorative service. Together – even while apart – we’ll remember those who served and sacrificed. You can pledge your support at rslanzacspirit.com.au
3. Tune into live services and virtual commemorative services. The ABC will give all Australians, no matter where they are, access to this year’s Anzac Day commemorations, with extensive coverage across its radio, television, digital and social media platforms.
A summary of what to expect:
5.00am: Anzac Stories (ABCTV, iview), presented by Dan Bourchier, this program will look at the origins of Anzac Day and some of the personal stories of servicemen and servicewomen.
5.30am: A live broadcast of the National Memorial Service from the Australian War Memorial on ABCTV, iview, Radio and online. This service includes from around 6am, The Last Post and a minute of silence, where you can pay your respect on your driveway or at your front gate or balcony at the same time as your local community.
9:55am: Tune into the ABC or live stream the NSW Anzac Day Service from facebook.com/AnzacMemorial/live commencing at 10am. Download the NSW Anzac Day Order of Service.
11.30am: Two-minute reflection which includes The Ode and The Last Post followed by a minute silence on ABCTV, iview, Radio and online.
6.55pm: The Governor-General, David Hurley's Anzac Day message on ABCTV and Radio.
4. Reach out to a mate or veteran 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. If you know a veteran please call or reach out to them, check in on them, thank them for their service and help them if needed during this time.
5. Donate to the Anzac Appeal online at anzacappeal.com.au. Donations support Australian veterans and their families in need.
There are a wide variety of other ideas being embraced across the country, many of which originated from passionate everyday Australians keen to demonstrate their Anzac Spirit on a day that belongs to all Australians.
Please record in text, photo or video your #AnzacDayAtHome and share it by tagging @AnzacMemorial on Facebook and Instagram.