While the traditional public commemorative ceremonies and Anzac Day marches have been cancelled this year due to the global pandemic, today we pause in respectful yet more private ways to honour those who have served Australia on military and peacekeeping operations for more than a century.
As we stay home and close by on this Anzac Day, I ask those in service, those who have served, and those whose memory is preserved by a new generation, to proudly wear your medals and service decorations.
Today, we also acknowledge and thank our service men and women who are deployed overseas in critical roles, as well as those serving at home, supporting the whole-of-government response to COVID-19.
A global pandemic may change the way we celebrate Anzac Day, but it does not diminish our tribute to Australians—past and present—who have served and died in wars and operational service.
May the nation’s Anzac soul be honoured and nourished today.
Lest we forget.
