BA News – Breaking News Updates Latest News Headlines
For generations, Australian families have risen before dawn on April 25 — Anzac Day.
In Perth, many then quietly made their way in the early gloom through Kings Park and, in their thousands, to the State War Memorial.
Others would gather at other memorials across the metropolitan area and all around WA’s regions.
Anzac Day is regarded by many as our most important national day.
April 25 marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I.
The Australian and New Zealand forces landed at Gallipoli on that fateful morning, and met fierce resistance from the Turkish defenders.
The Anzacs dug into the rugged hills amid a bloody stalemate.
Both sides suffered heavily, and amid the carnage more than 8000 Australian soldiers had died by the time an evacuation was ordered.
But the courage, endurance, innovation and mateship they showed have become part of how we see ourselves as a nation.
And marking the day now represents not just remembering the original Diggers.
It is also an opportunity to pay our respects to all the men and women who have fallen in defence of our country, freedoms and values — and to those who are still in uniform.
But in 2020, the usual ritual was interrupted by COVID-19.
Anzac Day will remain an important part of our national fabric now and into the future, too.
The devastating impact of the virus and need for social distancing to prevent its spread meant that for the first time since World War II, there were no Anzac Day services.
The previous cancellation was in 1942 — when Australia was in the middle of a fight for its survival as a sovereign nation.
But out of the adversity of COVID in 2020 came a new way to commemorate — in our driveways, on our doorsteps and balconies.
And this year many will again pay their respects in their own way as the driveway services become a regular part of the day.
That does not mean the service at the war memorial has been consigned to history — just that once again due to COVID, it will be different.
The dawn service at Kings Park will not run at full capacity, and instead only up to 500 invited veterans will be allowed, with the health and safety of older attendees the highest priority.
The RSL says the smaller event has been designed to enable a live broadcast to thousands of people across the State who could take part with their own driveway dawn service from the safety of their homes.
And lowered restrictions has enabled the CBD parade as well as the commemorative service at Perth Concert Hall to go ahead.
And many regional services will also continue.
It is further illustration of how the Anzac spirit will shine on, regardless of any hurdles which may appear.
And of how Anzac Day will remain an important part of our national fabric now and into the future, too.
Even if from time to time, circumstances may mean the commemoration takes on a new or different shape.
