One of the many casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic has been Anzac Day. But perhaps a new generation of volunteers could change that.
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Last year, at the height of the pandemic and associated lockdown, we took a whole new approach to honouring the men and women who have stood up for our country and our freedom in combat.
We headed to the end of our driveways at dawn and lit candles in remembrance. It was a disappointment for many, but surprisingly heartwarming for anyone who took part in the driveway vigil.
In 2021 it was hoped there would be a return to normal Anzac Day commemorations across the country with dawn and morning services, and Anzac Day marches in cities and regional areas.
The Far South Coast has largely been lucky in that many of our traditional services will go ahead - albeit with social distancing measures in place.
The regular services in both Merimbula and Pambula have been confirmed to go ahead with additional details on page 4.
Unfortunately, this will not be the case in many areas as services are cancelled or significantly scaled back.
It is a situation that has frustrated and angered many who have long honoured the Anzac Day tradition by attending services. Some people have argued the changes are disrespectful to the many men and women who fought and died for our freedom. Others have referenced activities that continue to go ahead at near full capacity such as sporting events.
The passion and frustration is completely understandable. But perhaps there is a need for perspective and the passion should be directed toward lobbying for a new approach to organising Anzac Day services.
You see these very special services, in regional areas in particular, are organised and co-ordinated, in most cases, by the more senior residents in the community. The volunteers are members of RSL sub-branches, people who have fought for our country in combat, some of the many people we honour on Anzac Day.
It is many of those very same people who have been able to ensure that services will go ahead as planned.
But for areas where the services have not been so lucky, perhaps the time has come for a new generation of volunteers to step up to ensure the tradition of Anzac Day continues well into the future.
