Australians views differ on many things. However the reverence we hold for ANZAC Day and our respect for humanity on the 25th of April each year, is something we tend to have in common.
Over the past few years, crowds have grown exponentially at each and every ANZAC service around the country.
Our youth are stepping up and stepping out in droves to support the veterans of past and present. Venues have been changed to accommodate the large numbers of people who stand arm in arm to acknowledge those who have sacrificed everything for their nation.
But this year will be different. This year there will be no large gatherings, no public dawn services or parades in the street. However this doesn't mean we can't still show our current and former soldiers the respect they have earned on ANZAC Day.
ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served".
Observed on the 25th of April each year, the day was originally devised to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who served in the Gallipoli Campaign, their first engagement in the Great War (1914–1918).
There are several ways to acknowledge and commemorate ANZAC Day in your own home this year, while self-isolation laws remain in effect. Below are a few ways you can come together as a family and pay tribute on the 25th of April.
Make a wreath with your family and lay it on your front lawn or door as a tribute to the ANZACs.
Organise an online interview with a veteran. Find out about their lives and exchange stories.
Make ANZAC Biscuits.
Read ANZAC stories. There are some great ones with Scholastic Books.
Make some artificial Poppies to decorate your home with, or even consider planting some real ones in your flower bed.
Listen to the Last Post and talk about any emotions this song may evoke.
Talk abut heroism, medals and life at war with children in a relatable way.
Learn the Anzac poem and story together
However you choose to acknowledge this day on the calendar is ok. What matters is that you do.
”At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.”
From the team at Imagineland, Lest We Forget.
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