ANZAC DAY 2020 IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION ON SERVICE AND SACRIFICE
David Smith, the Federal Member for Bean said that while local Anzac Day events have had to be cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, there were many ways that people could mark the occasion.
“This Anzac Day will be different for all of us and I know many people will be disappointed to not be able to take part in local ceremonies and marches this year.
“We have a proud tradition of military service here in the Bean electorate and every year many people turn out to honour this.
“In fact, the Bean electorate is named after one of Australia’s greatest war historians, Charles Bean. As a young journalist, he was Australia’s first official war correspondent. He travelled with the first contingent of the Australian Imperial Force, (AFI) landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915.
“He was devoted to telling our story of national sacrifice, mateship and bravery. In 1919 he returned to Australia where he took up residence in the Tuggeranong Homestead to complete the official history of World War I which took him 23 years.
“Whilst it’s with sadness that we will not be able to attend the service at the Tuggeranong Homestead this year, there will still be opportunities for community members to pay their respects and reflect on the service and sacrifice of our veterans.
“You will be able to watch a televised national Dawn Service from the Australian War Memorial, scheduled to commence with a pre-service program at 5am and the national service at 5:30am local time.
“I encourage people to hold their own private commemorations in their homes through initiatives like the RSL’s #lightupthedawn campaign and stand in their driveway, front yard or living room at 6am, following the televised dawn service.
“Anzac Day is a time to reflect upon the Anzac values of mateship, courage, initiative and resilience, and how these values are upheld by Australia’s servicemen and women today.
“These qualities have never been more important and we will all need to dig deep as a community and harness the Anzac spirit to get through the current coronavirus crisis.
“As well as remembering Australians who have served and died in all conflicts and operations, this year we should recognise those personnel who are supporting the COVID-19 pandemic response and bushfire recovery efforts.
David also encouraged residents to look out for veterans in our local community who may be self-isolating at home, by picking up the phone and talking to them, and asking how they are going.
“Anzac Day is a significant day for all Australians and is often a time for personal reflection.
“On 25 April this year, I encourage everyone in our community to take the time to remember those men and women who have served and who continue to serve our country,” David said.
Lest We Forget.
Tuesday 22nd April 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: David Smith, [email protected]
Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra
