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For the first time since Anzac Day commemorations started in 1916, all services have been cancelled across New Zealand in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, Kiwis are being encouraged to stand at the end of their driveways at 6am this Saturday, April 25, to remember the fallen.
The Returned Services Association (RSA) and the New Zealand Defence Force have launched a website, standatdawn.com, where users can tune in to a service on the day.
The service will include the playing of the Last Post, the Ode of Remembrance, the national anthem and an address by Minister of Defence and Veterans, Ron Mark.
“Veterans are encouraged to wear their medals just as they would for the official public gathering,” the RSA says.
Warkworth RSA president Bob Harrison says he intends to play the Last Post on his boom box at the end of his driveway.
“I wouldn’t mind waking the neighbours, but being on a rural property I don’t think they will hear it.”
He says locals may wish to pay their respects by laying a poppy or a wreath on the cenotaph on Church Hill in Warkworth.
Mahurangi Matters understands that some residents are intending to rouse their neighbours at dawn by playing the drums.
Residents of Totara View in Wellsford and Sunrise Boulevard in Snells Beach are among those who may be treated to a stirring performance.
Meanwhile, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the RSA is unable to provide poppies for Anzac Day and so has instead created a ‘virtual poppy’ that social media users can pin to their pages.
The virtual poppy is provided to anyone who makes a donation at the association’s ‘let’s not forget’ page on givealittle.co.nz.
Their online appeal, which has replaced the physical collection of donations this year, has already raised $35,000.
