Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals Leader Michael McCormack says it is more important now than ever to honour our ANZACs and their spirit:
ANZAC Day this year is unlike any other in living memory.
And now, more than ever, we all need to invoke the spirit of our ANZACs.
ANZAC Day is Australia’s most important day and it is imperative we take the time to reflect on those who died on battlefields thousands of kilometres from their homes and loved ones.
We should never forget those who were fortunate to make it back home, as they were left to carry a heavy burden upon their shoulders – both mentally and physically.
Our Diggers showed great loyalty and mateship which has become the benchmark for our modern Australian defence personnel to follow.
The difficult decision to cancel the traditional ANZAC Day services across the nation was made in the interests of public safety and the health and wellbeing of our local communities – especially our older veterans who are the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whilst we cannot gather in large numbers to attend marches and ceremonies, we can still pay our respects in other ways.
I urge everyone to take the opportunity to pause and remember the service and sacrifice of all Australians who have fought and died in all wars, conflicts and peace-keeping operations over more than a century of service.
I encourage you to make time to observe a minute’s silence during ANZAC Day to send a clear message of respect for our servicemen and women despite the significant challenges we face today.
You can take a modern approach to paying your respects by using the power of social media. Use the hashtags #AnzacAtHome and #TYFYS (thank you for your service) to share pictures and videos of your commemorations.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has developed a range of resources to assist Australians to commemorate ANZAC Day which can be downloaded from www.anzacportal.dva.gov.au.
Whether you choose to bake ANZAC biscuits, set up a tribute in your driveway or livestream your own private ANZAC service through social media – I encourage you to commemorate ANZAC Day in your own unique way.
Lest We Forget.
