FOR what they have done this we will do — the simple reason all Australians must ensure the legacy of commemoration continues this Anzac Day.
Senator for New South Wales Jim Molan is encouraging Gilmore residents to commemorate Anzac Day in 2021 in a respectful and meaningful way.
“Anzac Day was the most sacred day of commemoration on the Australian calendar and a time for us to remember the service and sacrifice of all Australian service personnel who have served our nation for over a century,” Senator Molan said.
“Gilmore has a proud history of military service and Anzac Day is an opportunity for us to pay our respects and show our gratitude for the service and sacrifice of all those who have served and provided us with the freedoms we enjoy today.”
Last year, with the challenges of the coronavirus, we found new and creative ways to honour those who serve and have served — driveway vigils at dawn, private floral tributes, and contacting current and former defence personnel to check in and thank them for their service.
“This year, I encourage everyone to attend a local service if possible and show your respect for those who have served, subject to local health advice.
“At its heart, Anzac Day is a time for personal reflection, and there are a number of ways we can commemorate.
“However you choose to commemorate the day, please do so in a respectful and safe way, ensuring our veterans, current Australian Defence Force members, their families and the thousands of descendants of our veterans know that we value the contribution of those who have served our country.”
While the coronavirus pandemic still affects how we do things, there are ways Australians can mark Anzac Day, including:
- Attending a local community dawn or commemorative service (pending the latest health advice).
- Tuning in to the ABC to Watch the Dawn Service and National Ceremony live from the Australian War Memorial.
- Leaving a poppy and personalised Anzac Day message on the Virtual Poppy Wall at https://lestweforget.gov.au alongside thousands of other Australians.
- Taking part in the RSL’s ‘Light up the Dawn’ campaign, which may include standing at the end of your driveway at dawn.
- Exploring the Australian War Memorial’s Anzac At Home content online for videos, activities and recipes at awm.gov.au/anzacathome
- Taking a photo of the local war memorial or honour board and upload it to Places of Pride at placesofpride.awm.gov.au to help build the national register of Australian war memorials.
- Taking part in their own private commemorations in a respectful, solemn and dignified way.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has also released a digital ‘kitbag’, which has a range of practical resources to help people mark Anzac Day — from families, local community groups right through to someone wanting to hold their own private commemoration.
“The kitbag is free and includes posters, sample speeches, orders of service, supporting music, crafts cards on how to make Anzac biscuits, poppies or a wreath and a range of supporting social media assets, including social media banner images,” Senator Molan said.
“With many options available to commemorate this Anzac Day, as a nation we can all proudly carry on the legacy of acknowledging service and sacrifice on Anzac Day in 2021.”
Visit https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/resources/anzac-day-kitbag to view the Anzac Day kitbag.