Anzac Day: Melburnians urged to watch Dawn Service at home and commemorate in driveway

It is one of the most sacred days of the year for our nation and we are being urged not to let coronavirus completely stop us from remembering those who served on Anzac Day. So do your bit and #standto on April 25.

A move for everyone to stand out at their letterbox at 6am for a minute's silence on Anzac Day. Former Australian Army soldier Chris McAleer is going to set up a fire pit at the end of his driveway in Kilsyth as a tribute to Anzac Day and the diggers who aren't able to go out on the day. Chris stands at his steel fire pit he made himself with his daughters Caitlyn 16 and Alannah 12 which will be used on ANZAC Day morning. Picture: David Caird

Australians are being urged not to let coronavirus ruin one of the most scared days of the year and unite at their letterboxes this Anzac Day.

With the ban on gatherings of more than 100 people, RSL Victoria has cancelled the public Anzac Day service and march.

Defence force members and RSL Victoria’s #standto campaign are encouraging the community to pay their respects by standing by the letterbox at 6am on Anzac Day to remember those who served our nation.

Former Australian Defence Force member Kylie Pearce posted the idea from a fellow veteran, which has been now shared more than 16,000 times across Facebook.

Ms Pearce said the idea had even reached New Zealand.

“We’re hoping to get it bigger than ever, regionally and nationally,” she said.

“It would really be a sight.

“People are talking about lighting a candle or putting out a poppy wreath on your letterbox as well.”

RSL Victoria’s chief executive Jamie Twidale said there would a small and non-public dawn service at the Shrine, which would be live-streamed.

“There won’t be big screens or a Gunfire Breakfast … there will only be about 30 people for a non-public service, but it will be televised,” he said.

Mr Twidale said head office was liaising with sub-branches and providing advice to conduct small services not open to the public.

He said the organisation was promoting #standto as a way to remember and honour veterans.

“We’re asking Victorian’s to watch the service on television and then go out to their driveways or decks and light a candle or hold their phone up and observe a minute’s silence,” he said.

He said the term stand-to was a reference all veterans would understand — it was conducted in the morning and in the evening on operations.

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Veteran and former peacekeeper Chris McAleer, who served in the Solomon Islands in 2013, said he would be lighting a fire pit in his Kilsyth driveway and neighbours were welcome to join.

Mr McAleer, who would attend the Dawn Service as a child, said Anzac Day was important to him as an ex-service member.

He said his daughters would be joining him, as they do every year.

“They know it means a hell of a lot to me, and I know it means the same to them,” Mr McAleer said.