Lest we forget: Territorians urged to still reflect on a quieter Anzac Day

THERE will be no march, no wreath laying and no two-up on Anzac Day this year, but Territorians are still being urged to embrace the day of reflection for fallen soldiers.

Palmerston RSL president Bill Simpkins with a driveway poppy. Picture: Che Chorley

THERE will be no march, no wreath laying and no two-up on Anzac Day this year, but Territorians are still being urged to embrace the day of reflection for fallen soldiers.

With all major events cancelled for 2020s commemorations, Darwin RSL president Steve Gloster said Territorians were being urged to reflect on Anzac Day, rather than flout social distancing regulations.

“For Territorians, we just need to have a minute silence to remember the ex-servicemen and women and returning members of the Australian Defence Force who have served and given up their lives for their country,” Mr Gloster said.

“There’s nothing else you can do with all the restrictions … I can’t encourage people to go out and lay poppies (but) everything will be back to normal next year, we’ll have our dawn service and parade.”

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In Palmerston, current and former members of the Australian Defence Force will have a token poppy painted on to their driveway this week in the lead-up to Anzac Day to help show support and pride of former troops.

“It might seem a small show but it’s enormous,” Palmerston RSL president Bill Simpkins said of the poppy display.

“There’s also a push for a driveway tribute on Anzac Day morning, for people to stand at the end of their driveway for a minute silence.

“It’s just a spectacular thing that’s happening, we’re encouraging all Australians to be up at 5.55am and tune into their local radio station and the Ode at 6am.

Zac Kirsopp from Sign City (right) installs a poppy on the driveway of Palmerston RSL president Bill Simpkins' home. Picture: Che Chorley

“Let’s face it, getting up at 6am on Saturday morning isn’t a huge sacrifice when you consider the sacrifice made from millions of Australians.”

Mr Simpkins said people could also place a poppy on the roundabout at the Palmerston Rugby League Club.

“It’s a matter of quiet reflection and just being proud of current and former members of ADF who have given their lives for our country,” he said.

“Just because we have been closed down because of the global pandemic, it doesn’t mean we have forgotten.”

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Palmerston Council is urging families of Defence members to get in touch if they want a poppy on their driveway.

The council will cover the cost of the driveway poppies instead of contributing $10,000 towards the RSL club’s Anzac Day commemorations.