Tasmanians to commemorate Anzac Day like never before

The cancellation of traditional commemorative services will not stop Tasmanians from rising at dawn to pay their respects to our war heroes this Anzac Day.

IT will be an Anzac Day like no other, but the lack of traditional services and large crowds will not stop Tasmanians from paying their respects in other ways.

Commemorative events which usually attract thousands of people have been scrapped this year due to restrictions designed to stop the spread of coronavirus.

But the Returned and Services League is urging Australians to rise at dawn on Saturday to observe a minute’s silence outside their homes as the sun rises.

RSL Tasmania president Robert Dick said the organisation had adopted the Light Up The Dawn campaign, which encourages people to unite in remembrance at the end of driveways or on balconies at 6am on Anzac Day.

For one southern Tasmanian teenager, the solemn remembrance on April 25 of the sacrifices made during wars has been an important event on the calendar.

TASMANIAN NURSE TO GIVE A NATIONAL ANZAC DAY ADDRESS

Michael Bonnitcha, 18, is in the Army Cadets program and has long dreamt of a career in Australia’s Defence Force.

His grandfather served in the Army Reserves in the 1950s and his older brother is currently serving in Darwin.

“It’s always been a very big part of our lives,’’ he said.

“I’ve always been patriotic and wanted to serve the country that’s given so much to me.”

Hobart Cenotaph, ANZAC Day 2020. Picture Chris Kidd

Mr Bonnitcha said he would participate in the campaign close to his home at Rheban, near Orford, and would watch the Australian War Memorial’s nationally broadcast commemorative service.

“It’s a really big part of Australian culture to remember our Anzacs,’’ he said.

“It’s important to pay respect and support the RSL, and if I could encourage people to do anything it would be to try and get in contact with someone you know is a returned soldier or someone that is currently serving.”

RECORD CROWDS EXPECTED TO VIRTUALLY ATTEND ANZAC DAY

Mr Dick encouraged Tasmanians to follow instructions from governments not to gather in groups, and instead commemorate the day in different ways.

A grassroots campaign and social media movement known as “Aussies & Kiwis for ANZACs” brought momentum to the idea of driveway dawn commemorations.

Ballarat man Justin Wilbur, son of a Vietnam veteran, last month proposed that people hold private services at home, suggesting they light a candle and play The Last Post in their driveway.

His idea gained significant traction, with a dedicated Facebook group having so far attracted 225,000 members.

Mr Wilbur said the concept was designed to bring the nation together in a virtual sense in a show of solidarity and community spirit to commemorate Anzac Day.

Get your special Anzac Day poppy poster to display and show your support at home in Thursday’s Mercury.