The Merimbula RSL sub-branch has said that while it is very disappointed that Anzac Day services will not be held, members of the community may still lay wreaths during the day, while observing social distancing.
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Secretary of the Merimbula RSL sub-branch Tony Toussaint said that the sub-branch received instructions from the NSW RSL state board.
The instructions stated that the RSL in NSW would not undertake or participate in any Anzac Day commemoration or activity, either on Anazac Day, leading up to or after the day, something that applied to all sub-branches," Mr Toussaint said.
He said the board reinforced its decision that all Anzac Day commemorations and activities were to be cancelled in NSW (activities include sub-branch participation in dawn services, gunfire breakfasts, dinners, marches, flag ceremonies, with no exceptions.
"On the health and safety advice received the Merimbula sub-branch was left with no alternative but to cancel all Anzac Day activities at Merimbula and Pambula. Members were very disappointed, but accepted the sub-branch has no say in this matter," Mr Toussaint said.
"This does not prevent members of the community laying wreaths throughout the day in their own time, without crowding.
"The sub-branch supports the idea of standing in your driveway at 6am for a minute's silence in memory of those who served and gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy," Mr Toussaint said.
There have been suggestions that community members take a torch and stand in their driveway at 6am but Mr Toussaint said the sub-branch had to follow the instructions of the state board.