ANZAC Day is one of just two days a year when the nation stops to reflect on the incredible service and sacrifice of our war veterans. While this year, we're stuck at home amid the coronavirus pandemic, it's more important than ever to celebrate. The 2020 service will mark the first ANZAC Day since WWII without a traditional Dawn Service - but while events have been cancelled across Brisbane, there are still ways you can honour those who served.Â
The team at Mount Gravatt Mazda have put their heads together and come up with a few ways you can stop, honour and celebrate Anzac Day this year.
Driveway Dawn Service
Australians will participate in a unique Driveway Dawn Service, where thousands are anticipated to stand at the end of their driveways or on their balconies at 6 am on Saturday, April 25. Tune into ABC Brisbane as they broadcast the National Commemorative Service live from 5.30am.
Live Stream Dawn and Commemorative Services
The ABC will broadcast official Anzac Day Services throughout the morning. Tune in to the Australian War Memorial Anzac Day Service live from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra from 5:30am. There will also be a live 10am service from the Anzac Memorial in Sydney and a reflection video will be live-streamed across all ABC radio and ABC News Facebook pages at 11:30am.
Record Your Community Ode
The RSL is also encouraging people to record a video of themselves reciting The Community Ode and post it to social media. Get the family together to express respect and support for veterans and join the virtual commemoration movement.
Respond âGoingâ to the RSLâs ANZAC Day 2020 Facebook event. Then use the hashtags #ANZACspirit and #lightupthedawn and share how youâll be commemorating privately, as well as who youâll be remembering this ANZAC Day.
Send A CardÂ
Since organisations like Legacy, War Widows Guild and RSL haven't been able to do their usual fundraising efforts due to social distancing restrictions, Cardly has started an initiative so that people around Australia can honour our veterans this ANZAC Day by sending them a card, whilst also fundraising for these great causes.
Play Two-Up
This Aussie gambling game is only legal on this one day of remembrance, so salute the diggers with a flutter on their favourite pastime.
In a nutshell, you toss two coins in the air and place your bets on how they will fall - heads or tails. Play at home with all your over 18s or have a virtual party with friends via Facetime or Zoom. The kids can have their own mini two-up with an easy heads or tails tournament.
Get Crafty
After the morning services, youâll still have an entire day at home to fill. So get your craft on with your kids with this fun DIY Poppy Project made from paddle pop sticks and cupcake liners.Â
Bake Anzac Cookies
Finally, the tastiest tradition of all. Get the kids in the kitchen and try your hand at making some classic chewy Anzac biscuits! You donât need an excuse to make these delicious morsels any time of year, but there is no better way to reflect on the spirit of Anzac Day than with a warm cuppa and this sweet treat. Itâs a quick and easy favourite that all Aussies know and love and we have the perfect Anzac Biscuit recipe for you.
