As the COVID-19 vaccination program rolls out and unemployment rates improve, confidence is returning to our community. Unlike 2020, this year will see a return to events to commemorate Anzac Day on April 25, 2021.

Last year, many of us watched the live broadcast of the dawn service from the Australian War Memorial on Anzac Day. 

Unlike every other year since 1923, there were no marches in 2020. Instead, many honoured our fallen soldiers with a driveway tribute, shared with our neighbours. If you were lucky you were within earshot of a bugle.

Returned Services League (RSL) NSW State Secretary Jeff O’Brien recently said the leading ex-service support and advocacy service for veterans has been working with the NSW Government to ensure dawn services, marches and all other commemorative events can take place.

This year, the Sydney CBD march is limited to 500 participants. RSL NSW will conduct a ballot for veterans to participate in the march and places will be allocated across each service branch and conflict from World War II to current operations.

Anzac Day has always been a special day for remembering the service and sacrifice of our service men and women throughout all conflicts. 

The Anzacs were volunteers, some were as young as 16, they were the brave men and women who selflessly paid the ultimate sacrifice for the betterment of the Australian people.

The ‘Anzac spirit’ is described by the Australian War Memorial as “having great courage, endurance, initiative, discipline, and mateship” throughout the eight months fighting on Gallipoli. 

Across our community, there are several dawn Services resuming this year. These services are limited in capacity due to health advice from the government as the RSL NSW sub-branches have received permission to organise a ‘controlled’ outdoor event. The public are advised to check first before attending.

The Ode comes from the fourth stanza of For the Fallen by English poet and writer Laurence Binyon:

"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"

DAWN SERVICES

Berowra RSL sub-branch: 

Berowra Community Centre

5am on Anzac Day

Chatswood RSL sub-branch:

The Garden of Remembrance, Albert Ave Chatswood

5.30am on Anzac Day

Hornsby RSL sub-branch:

Hornsby Cenotaph

5am on Anzac Day

Roseville RSL sub-branch: 

Roseville Memorial Park, 62 Pacific Highway, Roseville

5am on Anzac Day