It’s 9 years since I retired but I still remember the ceremonies that school communities would hold on both Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day. At my last school, Year 7 students would run the ANZAC commemorations and Year 6 would run the Remembrance Day ceremony. Being the Year 6 teacher for a few years, my classes and I worked hard to make each ceremony meaningful.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, things have been different this year of course. I was always going to write a post about ANZAC Day 2020 but some how never got around to it...until today!
Due to lockdown restrictions, public gatherings for ANZAC Day were not allowed. Instead, Australians were encouraged to ‘Light Up The Dawn’ and stand in their individual front driveways with candles and follow the dawn services that were being streamed.
DH and I stood on our front verandah and various neighbours stood in their driveways and others stood on unit balconies. It was very poignant and as we participated, the sun rose.
We used battery operated candles...
We streamed the RSL service on my iPad...
A few days before April 25, inspired by photos being posted on Facebook, I decided to make some felt red poppies...
And then I thought I’d have a go at making a wreath...
And then I thought I’d have a go at making a wreath...
And the 2 teddies I’d bought from Legacy stalls years ago were brought out and into service for ANZAC Day too.
Then I decided that I’d have a go at making a knitted wreath too! 😉
So all in all, ANZAC Day 2020 turned out to be rather special.
Today, the ceremonies were televised once again as large gatherings are not allowed...unless it’s a football match...but that’s another story and I must resist the temptation to suggest that hypocrisy is alive and well! 🙄🙄