Peter Gleeson: RSL must demand Diggers be allowed to march on Anzac Day
The RSL has put the white flag up to this ludicrous decision by health authorities to ban the Anzac Day march, writes Peter Gleeson. VOTE IN OUR POLL
Peter Gleeson
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The Returned Services League (RSL) needs to show some ticker and demand that Diggers be allowed to march on Anzac Day.
The RSL has put the white flag up to this ludicrous decision by health authorities to ban the Anzac Day march.
Over a month ago, the RSL wrote to the Queensland Government with a COVID safe plan to hold a modest Dawn Service at Anzac Square and a small march at the RNA showgrounds. No response.
Federal MP Julian Simmons is ropeable.
“If the premier can fill our stadiums for cricket and footy, she can help our veterans by providing a venue for a march,’’ he said.
Why can we allow 50,000 people into a State of Origin – cheek to cheek – and stop the traditional march aimed at commemorating our war heroes?
Last year’s Anzac Day service was marked by an innovative and well received initiative called Light up the Dawn. People were asked to go outside onto their front driveways and light a candle, in lieu of the traditional marches because we were in the middle of a prolonged COVID-induced lockdown. It was a remarkable success.
But 12 months on and things are much different. A vaccine is being rolled out and those old Diggers prepared to march will have had the vaccine by then. The rate of community coronavirus transmissions is low in Queensland, due to strict quarantine protocols and excellent contact tracing measures.
Masks could be worn during any marches to further protect those taking part and the general public, who love watching. Anzac Day is a special date on the Aussie calendar, a time when we remember those who have given their lives to protect our liberty and freedom.
During the pandemic, one of the greatest frustrations for people is the inconsistency applied to restrictions and lockdown principles. There is a perception – real or otherwise – that certain rules apply to certain sectors, while others are left to ponder why they are being singled out.
For example, we condone rallies and marches for other causes like Australia Day and climate change, yet we deny Diggers the opportunity to march, and Aussies from acknowledging their past contribution. It’s ordinary and the RSL needs to show some courage and fortitude and take on the government.
It’s time RSL bosses showed the same fighting spirit and take no prisoners attitude of our forebears and demanded it go ahead. Or alternatively, premier Annastacia Palaszczuk could simply make it happen with the stroke of a pen.