ANZAC day is one of Australia's most iconic ceremonies and marks the anniversary of one of the first major war efforts made by Australia and New Zealand in the First World War. This year as the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic, group gatherings for the ANZAC parades, services and commemorations were cancelled.
Despite this, Australians were asked to commemorate Anzac Day from their driveway or balcony, uniting in spirit rather than in person to remember our veterans and remain safe in our homes.
ANZAC day can be an emotional time for some people and as we looked out across our driveways, there was definitely a sombre mood to how we were commemorating the Anzac Spirit. It was a different kind of solidarity, inspiring to say the least. Seeing our neighbours and community unite and seeing the efforts made by families to create their poppies, their ANZAC biscuits, their candles or even to hear the sounds of the Last Post from afar made the commemoration even more special.
It was an effort made by everyone this year and a perfect way to show solidarity in our respect to the unknown soldiers who fought, the family members who fought and the doctors, nurses and other service people who volunteered to help for a common cause.
...article written by Harry Iszlaub, Year 10