Due to the pandemic crisis, RSL Hornsby Sub-Branch, along with all other sub-branches, cancelled their annual ANZAC commemoration services. In the past years, members of our local community, including veterans, cadets, representatives of local schools, other community groups and political leaders would gather at the Hornsby, Glenorie and Galston Cenotaphs to commemorate with Remembrance Services. The Sub-Branch deeply regrets that this year’s Anzac Day Services were cancelled.
While observing the current safe distancing protocols, members of the public and representatives of other community bodies were encouraged to privately lay their wreaths throughout the day.
The RSL NSW website provided guidance on a number of ways in which ANZAC Day 2020 could be commemorated.
People tuned into live services and virtual commemorative services including those broadcast by the ABC at 5.30 am from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. There was also a 10 am service from the Anzac Memorial in Sydney broadcast on ABC and streamed live. Locally a service was recorded from St Jude’s church by the Glenorie RSL Sub-Branch. If you missed it, this can be still be viewed on YouTube. (You can also find a copy on our facebook page).
At 6 am on ANZAC Day, saw many local residents ‘Light Up the Dawn’ by standing outside their homes with a light in remembrance of the fallen. Together – even while apart – remembering those who served and sacrificed. The last post was played by Glenorie RSL Sub-branch in Glenorie and Galston and could be heard for quite a distance in the stillness of dawn.
By commemorating ANZAC Day in such a visual way during this present crisis, we also honoured the thousands of health workers, defence force members, leaders in all levels of Government and our emergency services people who are on “active service” fighting this dreadful pandemic.
Lest We Forget.
