Anzac Day – Lest We Forget
April 23, 2020 |
Anzac Day, 25 April, marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. It is one of the most important national occasions commemorated by both Australians and New Zealanders each year.
For the first time in over a century, this year all public ANZAC public services and marches have been cancelled due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead, we are all being encouraged to hold a `Light up the Dawn’ ceremony with our families. Simply stand at the end of your driveway, on your balcony or in your living room at 6am on April 25 to remember all those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice.
This link will take you a web page were you can access the ode, last post and a virtual candle to help you observe ANZAC Day 2020 this Saturday morning.
Use the hashtags #ANZACspirit, #lightupthedawn and #Anzacathome when sharing your photos.
Participating at Home
ANZAC Day App
The ANZAC Day 2020 mobile application will deliver and guide you through the Driveway at Dawn service. It contains both a live broadcast of the National Service from your own country or a pre-recorded short recitation of The Ode, The Last Post, a minute of silence and Reveille.
On April 25, 2020 at 5.30am (local time), the National Broadcast in Australia and New Zealand will commence. At this time, the candle within the application will light. At 5.55am, you will be prompted to move to the driveway of your home, in preparation for the reading of The Ode, sounding of The Last Post, observance of a minute of silence and the sound of Reveille.
During this tradition, we ask that you show your respects to those who are serving, those who have served, those who have given their lives, and for their families and descendants.
App Store
Google Play
Virtual Candle
Candle on the App Store
Candle on Google Play
Driveway at Dawn
Soldier On invites you to take part in ‘Driveway at Dawn’ a social movement that invites everyone to participate by using a special app (see below) to feature a virtual candle and stand at their driveways at 5:55am on Anzac Day (25 April) to a synchronised playing of The Last Post at precisely 6am. In this moment, we can all stand side-by-side, virtually, to show our respect as a nation.
Make Your Own Poppies
The Australian War Memorial website has a great number of crafts and activities for ‘Remembering with Kids’ so the whole family can get involved.
The link below will take you to a printable poppy, should you like to make some to wear at home.
www.craftnhome.com/cut-out-poppies.html
Take The Poppy Pledge and say you’ll join them.
“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.”
For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon
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Australian resources and RSL links
From 5.55am you can tune in to ABC Radio to hear The Ode, The Last Post and join in the minute’s silence.
RSL branches across Australia are inviting people to stay at home and participate in a nationwide show of respect for past and present members of the defence force, via the Light up the Dawn initiative.
Special services have been created and you can download or stream live from the RSL websites:
Light up the Dawn New South Wales
Light up the Dawn Western Australia
Light up the Dawn South Australia
New Zealand Links:
RNZ National is partnering with the RSA and New Zealand Defence Force to broadcast a special Dawn Service. Coverage starts at 5.50am, with the official Stand At Dawn service starting at 6am on Saturday 25 April.
Use the hashtag: #StandAtDawn when posting photos of your home service.
Tune in to RNZ National on 101 FM, streaming live on the website rnz.co.nz/national, on your phone or mobile device (download the app here) or find your local radio frequency here: rnz.co.nz/listen/amfm.
RNZ’s ‘virtual’ dawn service will be presented by Shannon Haunui-Thompson, and will include The Last Post, and a reading of the Ode of Remembrance in both Te Reo Māori and English.
For additional Information visit standatdawn.com
MUSIC FROM THE HOME FRONT
AN ANZAC DAY CONCERT FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19
On an Anzac Day like no other, the Australian and New Zealand music community will join together to pay its respects and celebrate the mateship between two great neighbouring nations. While recognising and acknowledging the Anzac message, we also turn our attention to those that are currently fighting on the COVID-19 front line and say, ‘thank you’.
Music From The Home Front sees Australian and New Zealand musicians uniting for an extraordinary special concert event on Anzac Day evening, screening on Nine in Australia and Three in New Zealand.
Live streaming direct from their safe locations to yours, Australia and New Zealand’s most revered artists will come together to commemorate the spirit that binds us all together on this special Saturday night.
