Due to the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, Anzac Day 2020 will be like no other. However, this will not deter us in honouring our servicemen and women.
This 25 April, I remind Tasmanians that they can unite in the ANZAC spirit by joining Australians across the nation to honour the service of our Defence personnel, past and present, in different ways.
Tasmanians have the opportunity to pay their respects and participate in a special commemorative service from their homes.
At 5.30am, the Australian War Memorial, in Canberra will televise a private Anzac Day commemorative service on ABC TV, ABC Radio, Facebook and iView. For more information on broadcast and streaming services and start times, please visit www.awm.gov.au
At 6am stand at your driveway, front door or balcony and observe a minute’s silence as part of Light up the Dawn.
I also encourage you to participate in the RSL Tasmania Commemorative Service at 11.30am by tuning into ABC Local Radio or ABC Hobart/Northern Tasmania Facebook pages for a live stream of the ceremony.
For more information on broadcast and streaming services visit www.rsltas.org.au, or contact RSL Tasmania by email at admin@rsltas.org.au or by telephone on (03) 6242 8900.
Today, more than 10,500 war veterans and ex-service personnel live in Tasmania.
Together we understand the importance of increasing awareness and appreciation of the extraordinary service and sacrifice of our current and ex-serving personnel. It is vital that these messages reach our young people to carry forward for generations to come.
The COVID-19 pandemic is as serious a challenge our state has ever faced, but this does not diminish observance and respect of Anzac Day and those who gave their lives to protect ours.
Let us remember them.