Who knew that Anzac Day would look so different this year. For the first time since 1916, the dawn services have had to be cancelled but we can still show support for our Anzacs by uniting virtually and taking part in the #StandAtDawn initiative.
The RSA and New Zealand Defence Force has invited everyone to stand at 6.00am on Saturday 25th April and remember those who gave their lives for our country. Whether this is in your lounge room, on your balcony or by your letterbox on your driveway, it will be a show of solidarity and respect and a way to remember and commemorate our veterans.
Stay in your bubble, wherever you are, and take a moment to remember our fallen.
Western Waikato residents can tune into Hamilton’s RNZ National AM 1143 and National FM 101.0 frequencies or Te Kuiti’s National FM 94.0 at 6am to hear the official dawn service broadcast.
People can also head to rnz.co.nz/national to listen online.
The Last Post, Ode of Remembrance in Te Reo Maori and English, National Anthems and an Address by Hon. Ron Mark, Minister of Defence / Minister for Veterans will be broadcast nationwide.
Other ways to show your support include decorating letterboxes and windows with homemade poppies, creating a poppy wreath or baking Anzac biscuits.
Let’s all #StandAtDawn – apart, but together as one.
Visit standatdawn.com for further details.
The New Zealand Defence Force also invites people to share their photos with them by tagging @NZDefenceForce on Facebook and Instagram. Use #StandAtDawn in your posts and they may even share them too.
Other ways you can get involved in Anzac Day 2020 from within your bubble:
- Watch a special Anzac Day programme at 11am on TVNZ 1 or TVNZ On Demand
- Lay a virtual poppy at Auckland Museum’s online cenotaph for a loved one or for one of more than 235,000 New Zealand service men and women represented there
- Take the time to learn something new about New Zealand’s experiences of war and reflect on its far-reaching impacts on those who served, families, communities and the nation
- Delve into NZHistory’s Anzac Day resources
- Find teaching resources on Anzac Day on Te Kete Ipurangi
- Listen to David Hill’s The Red Poppy or Feana Tu’akoi’s Lest we Forget on RNZ Storytime