Anzac Day, 25 April, is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during WWI. On this day we remember those who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
Anzac Day is the day all Australians come together in remembrance. But this year we’ll have to come together in spirit, instead of in person. All ANZAC Day services have been cancelled due to covid19.
To this end, there is a call for Aussies to still keep the Anzac spirit alive and honour our veterans and service members from the safety of our own homes.
An incredible social movement called Driveway at Dawn has taken off and is asking Aussies to stand on our driveways from 5.55am on ANZAC day. An app has been released that will feature a virtual candle and synchronised playing of The Last Post at precisely 6am so we can virtually stand side-by-side to show our respect as a nation
The son of a Vietnam war veteran Justin Wilbur launched the app ‘Anzac Day 2020’ and is also behind the movement calling on Australians to continue the dawn service tradition from their driveways.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/anzac-day-online-dawn-services-phone-application-coronavirus/cbe5be4c-ac05-4cc5-b303-0021c331b0ff
Mr Wilbur believes this year it’s more important than ever to commemorate our current service personnel and veterans. “We may be stuck at home, but we have homes and Netflix and all of those comforts, all of those freedoms, because of the people who fought for them,” he said. “Without those people we might not be able to isolate ourselves.”
The application is free on Android and Apple and at 6am on Saturday will display a single burning candle and contains either a live broadcast of the National Service or a pre-recorded short recitation of The Ode, The Last Post, a minute of silence and Reveille.
I hope Australia’s driveways are crowded come Saturday at dawn.
Lest we forget.
April 23, 2020 at 9:26 pm
Wow that is an amazing app and can be used in the future for those who are sick or unable to get to the services.
April 24, 2020 at 11:31 am
Yeah, it’s incredible – and amazing they pulled it together in such a short amount of time.
April 24, 2020 at 1:58 am
What a wonderful gesture. I will think of you then. RT
April 24, 2020 at 11:31 am
It is a beautiful idea. Thanks, Jacqui.
April 24, 2020 at 5:54 am
What a great way to do this.
April 24, 2020 at 11:32 am
It’s a clever idea. It’s been supported by all the organisations involved in ANZAC Day, such as the Retired Services League etc.
April 24, 2020 at 12:44 pm
That’s really great! I’m so impressed by all the examples of ingenuity that are resulting from this crisis!
April 24, 2020 at 8:12 pm
It’s pretty amazing what people can do when they have to. It certainly pushes away the “one day” for a lot of things.