RIVERLANDERS have been encouraged to take a unique approach to this year’s Anzac Day celebrations amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
The #Anzacspirit initiative was announced last week by the RSL, after upcoming Anzac Day events across the region were forced to be cancelled due to the coronavirus emergency.
Barmera RSL sub-branch president Jim Rolfe said Riverlanders could still pay respects to current and past Australian soldiers by standing on their driveways at 6am on Saturday, April 25.
“The Barmera branch is closed down, so we won’t be having anything there,” Mr Rolfe said.
“A lot of our members are quite elderly, so we don’t want to put them at risk.
“What we are encouraging is for people to wake up at dawn and then stand outside in their driveway or front garden to commemorate the occasion.
“We heard about the idea from somebody in Adelaide and thought it would be a show of solidarity to also take part.”
Mr Rolfe said Anzac Day traditions – including playing the Last Post on a bugle – would still hold significance for those participating.
“People can hold a candle or another symbol of their reflection, or they can play the Last Post while they stand,” he said.
RSL national president Greg Melick said remembering the values Anzac Day represented was vital for Australians “in times of crisis and trouble”.
“The history of the Anzacs is integral to the history of Australia (and) the legend of our Diggers is one of our nation’s enduring legacies,” Mr
Melick said.
“Right now, the qualities evoked by our Anzac spirit – ingenuity, humour, endurance, courage and mateship – become more important than ever.
“This Anzac Day, we have a unique opportunity to light up the dawn with our Anzac spirit, and show our service people, past and present, that we will always remember what they have done for this nation.”
Riverlanders can share their Anzac Day participation by using the hashtags #Anzacspirit and #lightupthedawn on social media platforms.