This ANZAC Day, see you in the Driveway at Dawn
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This Saturday morning, will you be rising at dawn to commemorate ANZAC Day?
Social distancing in the time of COVID-19 means there will be no opportunity to gather at the Australian War Memorial as so many tens of thousands of Canberrans feel solemnly compelled to do each April 25th.
But that doesn’t mean the day goes unmarked. The ‘Driveway at Dawn’ movement, created by a Facebook group called Aussies & Kiwis for ANZACs has amassed enormous support for a less formal commemoration of the day.
And you can do that as simply as wandering to the end of your driveway, or out on your balcony, and lighting a candle of remembrance in the pre-dawn darkness. Remember to observe a minute’s silence at 6 am.
Soldier On says it is vital that all Australians continue to show support for past and present veterans, and their families on this and every other ANZAC Day.
The not-for-profit organization—which supports serving veterans and their families through a huge range of services—encourages all Canberrans to take part in the Driveways at Dawn event, and is also inviting people to view a virtual ANZAC Day Commemoration Service which will be available to watch on the Soldier On website to give all Australians the opportunity to come together in a safe virtual space and connect with the veteran community.
The service will incorporate traditional elements, as well as some modern music to acknowledge and pay tribute to veterans, past and present. A Commemorative Address will be made by His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d).
CEO of Soldier On, Ivan Slavich said he believed that this year it was even more crucial to show support for veterans on ANZAC Day: “Soldier On recognises that these are challenging times for people across Australia. But together we can get through this.”
“The way Australians can participate in ANZAC Day services this year is very different to previous years. But staying home and adhering to social distancing regulations, doesn’t mean we can’t stand united as a nation. For example, by standing on your driveway at dawn to pay your respects, or by showing support for veterans on social media, or in your own way at home, to thank those who have served, or are currently serving Australia.”
CEO of Soldier On, Ivan Slavich.
“This year, more than ever, Australians should unite and honour veterans past and present, thank them for their service and acknowledge the sacrifices that veterans and their families often make, in order to serve our country.”
Ivan also asked the community to consider supporting Soldier On’s ‘In Their Honour’ appeal.
The appeal is a chance for people to share messages of support for veterans using the hashtag #InTheirHonour and to donate to Soldier On in memory of a veteran to ensure today’s veterans and their families, could access the support they need.
Soldier On’s services include a range of mental health and wellbeing, employment and transition, education and training programs, as well as programs and activities focused on connections with family, friends, and the broader community. The support Soldier On provides currently reaches more than one million Australian veterans and their families.
To find out more about Soldier On’s Virtual ANZAC Day Commemorative Service go to www.soldieron.org.au
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