We will remember them at home: Anzac Day 2020
On an ANZAC Day like no other, the sound of buglers solemnly playing the Last Post has rung out across the city as commemorations moved to driveways and cul-de-sacs, while a small but solemn service has been held at Hyde Park. LIVE COVERAGE
On an Anzac Day like no other, the sound of buglers solemnly playing the Last Post at dawn has rung out across the city, as ANZAC day commemorations moved to driveways and balconies.
From the steps of the Sydney Opera House where a lone burglar played to cul-de-sacs and streets in suburban Sydney, young and old have paid tribute in private, quiet ways to veterans past and present.
RSL NSW Acting President Ray James said he was proud of how veterans had understood the need to suspend services for the first time since 1919, at the time of the last great pandemic.
“Many of you are saddened that Anzac Day services cannot be held in the way they normally are,” he said on Saturday.
“(Veterans) have realised the welfare and safety of the community at whole is important. Just because we cannot gather on our traditional Anzac Day services does not mean we do not remember and commemorate those who died and those who served.”
Australia’s largest dawn services held in Sydney’s Martin Place, and North Bondi, were replaced by a small, solemn affair at the Hyde Park Cenotaph.
Just a few people showed to pay their respects, including Mr James, a bugler and vocalist, the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian who read a WWI poem, and NSW Governor Margaret Beazley.
In her telecast address, Ms Beazley urged the public to make this year a special, reflective Anzac Day.
“Let us look forward to the warm handshakes, the proud countenances and the camaraderie which we will enjoy again” she said.
“The connection and the commemoration is different but howsoever different, let us remember them. Lest We Forget.”
She laid a single wreath at the Hyde Park Memorial and paid tribute to WWII veterans as Australia marks the 75th anniversary of the end of that conflict.
FOLLOW ALL OF TODAY'S ANZAC DAY COVERAGE BELOW
Originally published as We will remember them at home: Anzac Day 2020
Updates
Frantic search: Man missing in surf after Boxing Day swim
A young man is presumed to be missing in the ocean on the state’s North Coast after a Boxing Day swim, with a search and rescue mission currently underway. Here’s what we know.
Experienced sailors who died during Sydney to Hobart identified
Two experienced sailors died of head injuries in separate incidents during the Sydney to Hobart race. Police are now working to figure out how the tragedies occurred.