MP backs RSL Campaign for ANZAC Day: Stay home and ‘Light up the Dawn’
Western Victoria Region MP Bev McArthur has encouraged the community to commemorate our servicemen and women from home this year.
All public ANZAC Day services have been cancelled this year in the continued effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, but Mrs McArthur believes the community must still come together to reflect and remember.
“This year’s ANZAC Day will be like no other, with traditional services not proceeding and the opportunity to attend and pay respects at the local cenotaph not allowed" she said.
“However, while confined to our own homes, it simply means we can, and should, reflect in a different way."
“The RSL is encouraging Victorians to ‘Light up the Dawn’ for ANZAC Day, by standing in their driveways at 6am for a minute’s silence under the light of a candle, torch, or even a mobile phone.”
Mrs McArthur said this was a fitting way to recognise the sacrifices made by past service men and women and those who continue to serve our nation today.
“People can then choose to stay and reflect for a while, or tune into the live televised service from the Australian War Memorial that is proceeding without veterans or public in attendance” she said.
“Our communities are facing difficult times at present and in this situation we are facing, it is perhaps more pertinent that ever to give thought to the brave men and women who served, the challenges they faced and hardships they endured.”
20 April 2020