Goya Dmytryshchak
Embattled RSL clubs are keeping the Anzac spirit alive amid the coronavirus lockdown, with members of the community urged to ’light up the dawn’ from home.
Spotswood Kingsville RSL is among sub-branches holding an Anzac Day Dawn Service with just two people, in line with public gathering and social distancing rules.
President Glen Best, a serving Air Force veteran for the past 31 years who spent Anzac Day 2004 in Iraq, said it would be a very different commemoration.
This year, the squadron leader will be accompanied by a lone piper or bugler playing the Last Post as he lays a wreath at the local memorial.
“It’s just unprecedented times, everything’s changing dramatically at the moment,“ he said.
“Spotty will lay a wreath at 6am and we will leave the memorial garden gates open for Anzac Day so if people want to come and pay their respects throughout the day, noting social distancing, they’re welcome.“
The state branch is planning a very small Victorian Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance, which will be broadcast and live streamed for everyone to watch.
RSL Australia is urging people to get involved in the ’light up the dawn’ commemorative campaign.
At 6am on Anzac Day, people are being encouraged to stand in their living rooms, at the end of their driveways, on their porches or balconies to pay their respects.
Musicians are being invited to play the Last Post and Rouse or Reveille.
People are being asked to take photos and share them on social media under various hash tags including #ANZACspirit, #lightupthedawn and #standto.
Details: rslanzacspirit.com.au
