Anzac Day is one of the most important national occasions for both Australians and New Zealanders. In 2020, for the first time in history, Anzac Day Services across New Zealand have been cancelled due to COVID-19. Even though public Anzac Services are unable to go ahead, it does not mean that the tradition of remembering and commemorating our veterans and service personnel should be cancelled too.
Here are some ways to commemorate Anzac Day at home.
The RSA and New Zealand Defence Force would like you to join us to remember those who given their lives for our country. This is a time to pay respect and acknowledge the many thousands of our military people who are serving or have served, who are called upon to support New Zealand in times of war, conflict and disasters.
Join us at 6:00 am on Saturday 25 April. Stand at your letterbox, at the front door, in your lounge rooms, balconies, in your driveway. Wherever you are in the world, stand with us and take a moment to remember our fallen – but please stay within your ‘bubble’.
At 600am tune into Radio NZ National.
Listen live on the internet or on your phone for the official dawn service broadcast.
(AM & FM frequencies https://www.rnz.co.nz/listen/amfm)
(download app here https://www.rnz.co.nz/listen/app)
Veterans are encouraged to wear their medals just as they would for the official public gathering.
District President of the Auckland RSAs Graham Gibson says:
“We will be delighted if people stand together in their bubbles at home to pay tribute to our fallen as the sun comes up. We urge everyone to stay at home, away from the street and observe physical distancing.
“This Anzac Day will feel different but the sentiment will be the same. We are grateful to Auckland Council, Auckland War Memorial Museum and SkyCity for initiatives that we believe will inspire our young people to carry the torch into the future.
Stay Safe. Be Kind. Lest We Forget.