ANZAC Day is the most sacred day of commemoration on the Australian calendar.
It provides all Australians with the opportunity to remember and reflect on the service and sacrifice of our past and current service personnel as well as honour the more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in service of our nation.
On the health advice of Australian authorities due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, Anzac Day services overseas will not go ahead as normal in 2021. This includes the Australian and New Zealandled
Anzac Day services in Turkey and the Australian services in France. The day will still be recognised
in these countries however, with locally-based officials holding private commemorations in honour
of all those who have served our country in uniform, and those who died in service.
This decision was made in the national interest for the protection of all Australians, at home and
abroad, and on the advice of Australian health authorities, the Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade and in consultation with host nations.
Along with our own travel ban, we have taken into consideration a number of factors, primarily
concerns about the welfare of Australians and other visitors travelling to Anzac Day services as well
as views of host nations regarding visitors and large gatherings as well as the impact on health
systems of overseas nations.
Here at home, every year on Anzac Day we pause and say ‘thank you for your service’ to our current
and former serving personnel. Despite some limitations on numbers and events to ensure things are
done in a COVID-safe way, we can again gather together to commemorate the day this year.
A COVID-safe national service will be held at the Australian War Memorial and broadcast nationally,
with all Australians encouraged to tune in and watch on the day.
Around Australia, commemorative activities will be planned, managed and delivered by the RSL, exservice
organisations and community groups, in line with public health guidance in each state or
territory.
The Australian Defence Force will provide personnel to support as many services as possible around
the country again this year.
Last year Australians came together like never before to mark Anzac Day during the onset of the
coronavirus pandemic.
And this year, whether it’s attending a local service or standing in your driveway and lighting up the
dawn, I encourage all Australians to continue the tradition of honouring our service personnel in a
way that is solemn and respectful.
