While social distancing rules in response to COVID-19 may have forced ANZAC Day public services to be cancelled this year, the City is encouraging the community to get behind RSLWA’s driveway dawn service.
Image: With ANZAC Day commemoration services, like the ones usually held at the Rockingham War Memorial at the Village Green (pictured) cancelled, the City is encouraging the community get behind RSLWA’s driveway dawn service initiative. Picture: City of Rockingham.
This year’s official ANZAC Day public commemoration services are the first to be cancelled since World War Two. As a result, RSLWA will instead be encouraging people to light a candle and stand in quiet contemplation at the end of their driveways or on their balconies, at 6am on 25 April.
A number of local radio stations will be broadcasting memorial services, with people able to tune in to hear The Ode, The Last Post and to join in the one-minute silence.
City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the driveway dawn services represented a unique opportunity for the community to connect during an unprecedented time.
“For many of us ANZAC Day is normally a chance to come together as one and commemorate the men and women who fought for our country, however, this year things will be quite different because of COVID-19,” Mayor Sammels said.
“While we may not be able to stand side-by-side each other like we usually do to pay our respects, we are still able to connect as a community by getting up early on 25 April and gathering with our families on our driveways to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
“The City of Rockingham has close ties to defence, particularly with the Royal Australian Navy and its presence at HMAS Stirling, and we encourage the community to get behind RSLWA’s driveway dawn service tribute.”
Mayor Sammels will be laying wreaths at both the Rockingham War Memorial at the Village Green, and Veterans Memorial Park in Port Kennedy on ANZAC Day. People looking to lay their own wreaths at memorials are welcome to do so, but are reminded to continue following the Australian Government and State Government’s social distancing rules.
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