Dawn driveway service to commemorate Anzac Day

poppies.png

Anzac Day traditions are set to continue this year, albeit in a somewhat un-traditional format.

Even though community commemorative services are cancelled due to Coronavirus restrictions, the Returned Services League Victoria (RSL) is still encouraging community members to remember the fallen and pay respects for their sacrifice from home this Saturday 25 April.

This can involve standing on your driveway, in your front yard or on your balcony and observing a minute’s silence as the Last Post is played during the ANZAC Day Dawn Service.

Murrindindi Shire Council’s Mayor Leigh Dunscombe said the location in which we remember our fallen heroes is less important than the act of remembering them.

‘It’s disappointing that we can’t come together at our usual local dawn service, but it’s important to take the time to remember the men and women who served our country. I encourage everyone to get involved in the ‘driveway dawn service’.

‘The ANZAC Day Dawn Service will still be live-streamed from the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne at 6am, where the small number of people who are necessary to conduct the service will gather to lay wreaths, play ‘The Last Post’ and observe a minute’s silence. The public won’t be able to attend but will be able to view the service online at RSL Victoria’s Facebook Page and listen to the service on ABC Radio and your local UGFM station.

‘RSL Victoria is also encouraging everyone to take a snap of themselves participating in the ‘driveway dawn service’ and then share it on their Facebook page with the hashtag #STANDTO.

‘It will be great to see people in front of their homes paying their respects. ANZAC Day is an important day for all Australians and we need to keep the spirit of the ANZACs alive. If you see your neighbor up at dawn, make sure you give them a friendly wave and check in to see if they are ok – from a safe distance. Now, more than ever, it’s important to stand together and look after one another’, added Cr Dunscombe.

/Public Release. View in full here.