Goya Dmytryshchak
Williamstown North piper Barry Stewart has played every Anzac Day since 1956.
On Saturday, it will be the first time he has played in his driveway, choosing a lament called The Flowers of the Forest.
Members of the community are being urged to ’light up the dawn’ from home amid the coronavirus crisis.
Mr Stewart, who is a member of Victoria Scottish Pipes and Drums, popped a polite note in the letterboxes of his Park Crescent neighbours.
“At approximately 5.55am on ANZAC Day 25/4/2020 I will be playing the bagpipes to honour our war veterans,” it read.
“Every ANZAC Day for approximately 15+ years I have been playing the lament for Williamstown RSL at the cenotaph but unfortunately due to the coronavirus this will be out of the question due to social gathering rules.
“I hope this doesn’t impact you too much.”
Mr Stewart said it wasn’t about him – it was “all about our veterans”.
“I’ve done this for so many years and why shouldn’t I continue,” he said.
“I considered going down to the cenotaph and playing there by myself but, gee, I might have hit a $1600 fine.
“So, I thought I’d better … just stay home and do it in the driveway.”
People are being asked to share their photos on social media under various hash tags including #ANZACspirit, #lightupthedawn and #standto.
