Normally, Wilson McLellan would leave rosemary at the Lismore cenotaph on Anzac Day. But this year, under social distancing regulations, everything will change.

Wilson has been the secretary of the Returned Servicemen’s League (RSL) Lismore City sub-branch for 21 years and said despite not being able to gather for the usual dawn service at the cenotaph, he encourages people to still pay their respects to those who have fallen in wartimes. 

The cenotaph at Lismore Memorial Baths.

“We can’t do much at all this year, but people can have their own driveway service," he said.

“It’s easy, at dawn go to your driveway, have a moment's silence, or have your own service. 

“You can say a few words to acknowledge the fact that many paid the supreme sacrifice all those years ago, as well as the ongoing conflicts still happening in the world.”

Wilson said it was important that we continue to remember Anzac Day because “in the long run, it might give people more thought about what’s to come”.

“There’s a lot of young blokes left Australia shores and never came home,” Wilson said. 

“We remember them at dawn especially, because that’s when they landed at Gallipoli and the whole ANZAC movement began,” he said.

“It’s time of refection for all war, including World Wars 1 and 2, the Korean and Vietnam wars and all armed conflicts.

“Some soldiers came home with internal baggage and we take time to remember.

“We don’t want more war - it’s said after every war and we are still learning.

“My two great uncles’ names from WW1 are engraved on the on inside entrance to the memorial baths - they never came home.”

How You Can Commemorate ANZAC Day 2020

Click on The Lismore App ANZAC Day button to hear the Last Post and see historic Anzac Day photos

Light up the dawn

At 6am on ANZAC Day, go to the end of your driveway or stand on your balcony and listen to a brief commemorative service. Together – even while apart – we’ll remember those who served and sacrificed. You can sign the pledge to light up the dawn at http://www.rslanzacspirit.com.au

Tune into live services and virtual commemorative services

The ABC will be broadcasting a 5.30am service from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. There will also be a 10am service from the Anzac Memorial in Sydney that will be broadcast on ABC and streamed live.

Reach out to a mate who might be alone

Many people are alone during this time of isolation. It’s an opportunity to invoke the ANZAC value of mateship and check to see how a mate is doing.

Donate to the ANZAC Appeal online at http://www.anzacappeal.com.au

Donations support Australian veterans and their families in need. Donations in New South Wales support services provided by RSL DefenceCare and Veteran Sport Australia.