In this time of uncertainty, it is more important than ever that the ANZAC spirit of mateship, endurance and courage continues to shine through.
Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin said while the cancellation of traditional ANZAC Day services is sad, residents are encouraged to pause to remember and reflect. “We may not be able to stand together as we usually would, but we can still stand united in spirit,” she said.
“While we cannot gather at places of significance to honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, we must still commemorate the day with the respect and solemnity it deserves.”
Mayor Toppin echoed RSL Queensland’s call to draw upon the ANZAC spirit of ingenuity to find a unique way to commemorate the day this year.
“From baking ANZAC biscuits to planting a rosemary bush or simply making a donation to the ANZAC appeal, there are many ways in which we can uphold the ANZAC legacy. We must use our ingenuity and unite in spirit to honour Defence personnel, past and present, and ensure their service and sacrifice is not overlooked or forgotten.”
Mayor Toppin is encouraging residents to join in the RSL Queensland’s ‘Light up the Dawn’ pledge.
“At 6am on Saturday 25 April, stand in your driveway, on the footpath or in your living room, light a candle or commemorate however you see fit and pause for a moment to remember all those who have served and sacrificed,” Cr Toppin said.
ANZAC DAY LIVE STREAMS:
- Local radio station 4AM will broadcast the Dawn Service from Canberra between 5.30 & 6am
- The Queensland RSL will be live-streaming a small service on its website and Facebook page from 6am
- Join us ABC Far North live from the Australian War Memorial at 5.30am on https://www.abc.net.au/radio/farnorth/, ABC TV + iview and ABC Local
In uncertain times, the qualities evoked by our ANZAC spirit – ingenuity, humour, endurance, courage and mateship are more important than ever.
This year, stand in your driveway, on your balcony or in your living room to remember all those who have served and sacrificed.
From 6am, RSL Queensland will be streaming a short commemorative service, comprising The Ode, The Last Post, a minute’s silence, Reveille and the National Anthem.
Please join the rest of Australia in this special moment.