ANZAC at Home, Light up the dawn
With the cancellation of gatherings of people for ANZAC Day Memorial services this year, the Australian War Memorial, the RSL and other Ex Service Organisations are encouraging us all to still recognise this important day, by conducting your own private dawn service in your driveway this year from 0600 (6am on Saturday 25 April 2020).
Here’s a suggested order of service based on one sent to me from my local RSL together with some information I’ve added from the Australian War Memorial and appropriate music from the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you’re planning to use this order of service and included music links on your mobile phone, I suggest you give it a practice run beforehand at your driveway so you know your mobile data / wifi functions well at that location!
0600 Assemble
Family members assemble in the driveway with a lit candle (or torch, if a little windy). You can mention that this year is the 105th Anniversary of the Landing of Australian and NZ Troops at ANZAC Cove. Some quiet conversation between each other about the significance of the day, talking about and remembering someone in your family who served, some reflection on the freedoms that we enjoy because of their military service would be appropriate.
0605 Read The Ode
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”
0608 Play The Last Post (Click here to begin music)
0609 “We will now pause and stand in silence for one minute to remember the service and sacrifice of Australia’s servicemen and women, from all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. We remember those who served on Australian soil, and those who served abroad. We remember those who returned home and those who could not, and paid the ultimate sacrifice.” One minute’s silence.
0610 Play The Rouse (Click here to begin music)
0612 Play the Australian National Anthem (Click here to begin music)
0615 Play the New Zealand National Anthem (Click here to begin music)
Conclusion.
After the service, have ready the ingredients for your gunfire breakfast including:
• Bacon
• Eggs
• Sausages
• Rum for your Coffee and/or tea to toast the fallen
If you’re not able to go outside
Watch the national commemorative service live from the Australian War Memorial on ABC TV and iView from 5:00am on Saturday 25 April. The service will also be live streamed on the Australian War Memorial’s website, and on Facebook and YouTube. Click here for more information.
Share your Anzac Day
Upload a photo or video to social media with the hashtag #AnzacAtHome and encourage others to do the same.
Our traditions
Read about the symbols of commemoration, including the Ode of Remembrance, The Last Post and the catafalque party. Click here for more information.
