Anzac Day 2020: Why we should embrace the driveway dawn service

When dawn breaks on April 25 this year it will be unlike any Anzac Day we’ve known. Congregating at the RSL for a beer and a game of Two-Up isn’t an option, but we can all meet at the end of our driveways. And we should.

This is a first-person account written by Major Jamie Heron who enlisted in the Australian Army infantry in 1979. He has served in East Timor and now lives in Enoggera on Brisbane’s northside.

WHEN dawn breaks on April 25 this year it will be unlike any Anzac Day we’ve known.

With businesses shut down and families isolated in their homes in a fight against a global pandemic, we find ourselves in a bit of a bind when it comes to commemorating the men and women who gave our nation arguably its most powerful and enduring legacy – the ANZAC legacy.

Major Jamie Heron is encouraging all Australians to embrace the driveway Dawn Service to commemorate Anzac Day in 2020. Picture: Russell Shakespeare/AAP

Traditional dawn services have been cancelled, there will be no march through the CBD and congregating at the RSL or community halls for a beer and a game of Two-Up isn’t an option.

For me, the idea of not being able to commemorate Anzac Day leaves a hollow feeling.

My connection with the day is very personal.

I had relatives serve and killed in both World Wars.

My father was a sapper in WWII. My brother and I have served with the Australian Army overseas on operations in Afghanistan and East Timor.

I enlisted in 1979 as an 18 year old having grown up in Ashford, a small country town in NSW that is full of stories and memorials of those that have served.

DRIVEWAY SALUTE URGED TO MARK ANZAC DAY AT HOME

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I have been privileged to march in cities and towns across Australia and the world, sometimes in front of large crowds or on a beach abroad watching the sun rise and reciting the Ode.

My late father took me to dawn services and I have stood beside my four children as the sun rose and The Last Post sounded.

I have waved to my grandchild as I marched past, one of the few times emotions got the better of me.

Major Jamie Heron with granddaughter Ruby Schafer in 2015. Image: supplied

I feel negligent and derelict in my obligation as an Australian not to stop for 30 minutes in my day and reflect on the sacrifices made for my freedom especially considering we will, on this day, have Australian service men and women overseas on operations.

The tradition continues.

On the first Anzac Day in 1916 inquisitive crowds lined the streets to support the fresh faced but battle hardened Australian and New Zealand service men.

Then there were huge parades and services at the completion of WW11 and most recently a national outpouring of emotions and tributes at the centenary of Anzac Day.

So how should we do it this year?

To commemorate the Anzacs on Apr 25 2020, one suggestion that is gaining great support across the nation is both simple and poignant.

At 6am, everyone should stand at the bottom of their driveway where they can reflect personally, but know the nation is out there doing the same. If you don’t have a driveway, get out on your balcony and veranda.

Major Jamie Heron. Picture: AAP/Russell Shakespeare

At 6am play The Last Post, followed by a minute’s silence and then Reveille.

We can all attach a small national flag to our mailboxes.

At the end of the service go ahead and shout out to your neighbours, salute everyone like you know what you are doing and act like a larrikin within the confines of your property.

Make sure you wear your medals and those of your loved ones.

Don their slouch hats and other accoutrements that provide you the connection and warmth with that person.

This is a small part of anyone’s day.

We don’t normally commemorate with our neighbours so it is a once in a lifetime opportunity, a unique opportunity, to honour those men and women across all conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

If ever a nation requires examples of courage, endurance, initiative and mateship to get it through a tough time then look no further than the legend of ANZAC.

The ANZACs will unite us again, even though we are separated.