Ever wondered how Antarctic explorers take part in national events?
Australian Antarctic Division explorers are commemorating Anzac Day 2020 in a unique situation – they can gather, drink and play two-up, unlike the rest of the nation. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE.
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AUSTRALIAN Antarctic Division explorers are commemorating Anzac Day 2020 in a unique situation – they can gather, drink and play two-up, unlike the rest of the nation.
Australia’s 89 wintering expeditioners at Casey, Mawson, Davis and Macquarie Island research stations will observe Anzac Day in its traditional manner.
As Australian stations are COVID-19 free and isolated from the global pandemic, their small Antarctic and sub-Antarctic teams are able to gather for Anzac Day ceremonies and activities.
As the sun rises over the horizon, several of members of the Australian Antarctic Division are seen observing the Australian flag at half mast.
Australian Antarctic Division director Kim Ellis said the team have a strong connection with the Anzac Spirit.
“The Anzac Day (commemorations) on Antarctic stations are particularly special because they will be unique in the Australian Anzac Day (commemorations) because people can actually come together,” Mr Ellis said.
“Our connection with Anzac goes all the way back to the original heroic age of exploration
so those early expeditioners.
“Those explorers who actually discovered most of the Antarctic we now occupy, they went at the turn of the century and they returned back to a nation that was at war.
“We have a really strong connection we understand the commitment that it takes to serve a national outcome.”
Mr Ellis said Antarctic expeditions put explorers in remote and extreme environments.
“And it gives us a very strong and enduring connection with that Anzac Spirit,” he said.
The video finishes with a haunting rendition of the Last Post and an expeditioner saying: “At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them”.
Originally published as Ever wondered how Antarctic explorers take part in national events?