Bundaberg Region residents are being asked to embrace a different kind of Anzac Day this year by lighting up the dawn with their Anzac spirit.
It’s one of several innovative Anzac Day commemorations planned to overcome Coronavirus restrictions, with Bundaberg Regional Council screening a locally produced video tribute on Facebook at 10am this Saturday.
RSL Queensland president Tony Ferris said the need to cancel traditional Anzac Day services had been disappointing for the veteran community.
“Usually our sub-branches organise more than 500 services and marches throughout Queensland,” he said.
“Having to call them off at such a late stage in the planning was very disappointing for our volunteers who put their heart and soul into hosting these events for their local communities.
“But it’s been wonderful to see the Australian public take ownership of Anzac Day so wholeheartedly.”
Mr Ferris said people had shared many ideas for alternative ways to commemorate Anzac Day.
“One that kept coming up, however, was the idea of gathering at the end of our driveways at dawn,” he said.
“It’s a great way for us all to show our respect and gratitude for service people, past and present, while remaining safe. And just like Anzac Day, this is an idea that belongs to the Australian people.”
Light up the dawn
When: 6am Saturday, 25 April
Where: at the end of driveways, on balconies, in paddocks or living rooms all across Queensland
What: RSL Queensland will stream a short commemorative service, comprising The Ode, The Last Post, a minute’s silence, Reveille and the National Anthem from rslanzacspirit.com.au
Mr Ferris said people could visit rslanzacspirit.com.au for other ideas on how to mark Anzac Day differently this year, including:
• Make a poppy or rosemary wreath (to be laid in your own home)
• Serve your own Gunfire Breakfast
• Bake Anzac biscuits
• Plant rosemary in your garden.
at 10am on Saturday, 25 April.
- Other news: Anzac Day lanterns unite neighbours
