April 25^th is one of just two days a year when the nation stops to reflect on the incredible service and sacrifice of our war veterans. While this year, we’re stuck at home amid the coronavirus pandemic, it’s more important than ever to celebrate.

This years’ service will mark the first ANZAC Day since WWII without a traditional Dawn Service – but while events have been cancelled across the country, there are still ways you can honour those who served. 

Light up the dawn

Australians are being encouraged to stand at the end of their driveways, on their balconies or in their loungerooms at 6am on Saturday morning to commemorate those who served, those who died and those who are still serving.

Hold a candle, lay a wreath, or simply mark a moment of silence. Use the hashtags #ANZACspirit and #lightupthedawn when sharing your images.

To ensure there is a record of this historic day, the NSW State Library will be collecting images shared on social media and is encouraging people to post images including their driveway commemorations using the hashtag #Anzacathome to be included in the collection.

Live Services and virtual commemorative services

5:30am: A national dawn service will be televised on the ABC from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. This service will be led by the Governor General and Prime Minister. It is scheduled to commence with the pre-service program at 5am with the national service at 5.30am.

10.00am: RSL NSW will facilitate a 10am televised service attended by the Governor at the Hyde Park Memorial. Please check your local TV guides.

Both services will be streamed on the RSL NSW Facebook feed.

Local services in each state will also be broadcast on ABC local radio.

Victoria: Melbourne’s Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance will begin at 6.10am and finish at 6.30am.

South Australia: Adelaide’s Dawn Service at the National War Memorial will start at 6.30am and finish at 7am.

New South Wales: The morning service at Sydney’s ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park will begin at 10am and finish at 10.30am.

Queensland: The state government will stream a Dawn Service attended by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Brisbane’s Lord Mayor, the Governor-General and Mr Ferris.

Donate to the ANZAC Appeal online

Donations support Australian veterans and their families in need. More information on how to donate can be found here.

Reach out to a mate or veteran who might be alone

The changed ANZAC Day schedule will prove difficult for some veterans, especially those who are older.

Give any veterans you know a call and check on their welfare. Call or reach out to them, check in on them, thank them for their service and help them if needed during this time.

Be part of the Community Ode

Record a video of yourself reciting The Ode or sharing a message of support for veterans on your social media.

‘Music from the Home Front’ – ANZAC day concert

Music From The Home Front sees Australian and New Zealand musicians uniting for an extraordinary special concert event on ANZAC Day evening, screening on Channel Nine from 7.30pm. Live streaming direct from their safe locations to yours, Australia and New Zealand’s most revered artists will come together to commemorate the spirit that binds us all together on this special Saturday night. More information, including the full line-up of artists can be found here.

The Ode

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them