While this year’s official ANZAC Day commemorations are not going ahead, we, as a community and as individuals still have the opportunity to honour the sacrifices of our armed service members.
As different ideas are shared across the country, its heart-warming to see so many Orange locals getting behind many of the ideas that have been shared. We caught up with one local family who will be participating in ‘the original Driveway at Dawn Movement’ an initiative in which the Orange Ex Services Club in Conjunction with the Orange RSL Sub Branch, are both supporting.

11-year-old, Ollie King said, “My family will pay respect to the fallen soldiers and the soldiers who went to battle. I have marched ever since I was in Kindergarten, I really enjoy it and I enjoy walking with my friends.”

The Driveway at Dawn movement posted, “We are asking that everyone commemorate at home by walking to their letterbox at 05:55, light a candle and share in a minutes silence for our Veterans at 06:00.”

You can download the phone app- ANZAC DAY 2020 or tune in to ABC NATIONAL radio.

RSL NSW has shared;

‘When times are tough, Australians have always relied on the distinctive qualities of mateship, humour, ingenuity, courage and endurance to get us through. Known as the ANZAC Spirit, these five qualities have defined Australians ever since the first troops landed on the beaches of Gallipoli in World War I.

In the current climate, we are reminding Australians that we all bear these qualities within, ready to come to the fore when we need them.’

RSL NSW have also compiled a list of ways you can show your respect from your home in the lead up to, and on ANZAC day itself.

Community Ode – Participants can use the hashtags #ANZACspirit and #lightupthedawn when sharing videos of themselves reciting the Ode, or any message of support for our veterans on their social media. Participants are also encouraged to post their messages of support to the ‘ANZAC Day 2020 – Light up the dawn’ event page. Respond ‘Going’ to the ANZAC Day 2020 Facebook event and share how you’ll be commemorating privately, as well as who you’ll be remembering this ANZAC Day.

Light up the dawn at 6am on ANZAC Day. Go to the end of your driveway, stand on your balcony or in your lounge room and listen to a commemorative service. Together – even while apart – we’ll remember those who served and sacrificed. You can pledge your support at rslanzacspirit.com.au

Tune into live services and virtual commemorative services. This includes the 5.30am service from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Reach out to a mate or veteran who might be alone. Many people are alone during this time of isolation. It’s an opportunity to invoke the ANZAC value of mateship and check to see how a mate is doing. And if you know a veteran please call or reach out to them, check in on them, thank them for their service and help them if needed during this time.

Donate to the ANZAC Appeal Donations support Australian veterans and their families in need. Donate online at anzacappeal.com.au

On Saturday April 25, we might not be together, but we will be united. 

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; 
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. 
At the going down of the sun and in the morning 

We will remember them.