Anzac Day is one of the most important national occasions for both Australians and New Zealanders. In 2020, for the first time in history, Anzac Day Services across New Zealand have been cancelled due to COVID-19.
Even though public Anzac Services are unable to go ahead, it does not mean that the tradition of remembering and commemorating our veterans and service personnel should be cancelled too.
The RSA and New Zealand Defence Force would like you to join in remembering those who have given their lives for our country. This is a time to pay respect and acknowledge the many thousands of our military people who are serving or have served, who are called upon to support New Zealand in times of war, conflict and disasters.
At 6:00 am on Saturday 25 April stand at your letterbox, at the front door, in your lounge rooms, balconies, in your driveway. Wherever you are in the world, stand and take a moment to remember our fallen – but please stay within your ‘bubble’.
Tune into Radio NZ National (AM & FM frequencies), listen live on the internet or on your phone (download app here) for the official dawn service broadcast commencing at 6:00 am. Veterans are encouraged to wear their medals just as they would for the official public gathering.
The RSA and New Zealand Defence force have also created a virtual memorial at standatdawn.com
There you can find a range of ideas to help you commemorate ANZAC day with Stand at Dawn activities for the whole family, including colouring pages, an ANZAC biscuit recipe, and how to crochet your very own poppy.
The poppy has, for a long time, been the international symbol to remember and honour those who have served and sacrificed so much for our nation and way of life. Unfortunately, this year the RSA is not able to provide the traditional Poppy to wear, due to the lockdown restrictions.
Instead, you can make you own:
Download a printable PDF here.
You can also donate and download a Facebook Profile Frame with GiveALittle.
The Givealittle campaign provides New Zealanders with a platform to honour veterans and active military, preserving a deep part of New Zealand’s history while people are unable to come together for events or fundraise face-to-face due to the lockdown.
This ANZAC day may not be like any other, but we can still come together as Kiwis, apart, but together as one.
