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Anzac Day, not to be forgotten because of COVID-19

Tia McDougall
Poppys in Christchurch copy
Poppy tribute to Anzac Day  Tia McDougall

Stand At Dawn, is a new way encouraged by the RSA to commemorate the sacrifices made by our servicemen and servicewomen who are called upon to serve New Zealand in war, conflict and disaster.

The RNZSA National President, BJ Clark, says standing at 6am in our respective bubbles for our soldiers, is the least we can do.

"Being at home whether at their letterbox, front door, lounge or back yard, the sacrifice everyone has made as part of the COVID-19 lockdown is the same kind of Anzac spirit that we honour for all those who have served New Zealand past, present and future.”

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern supports the RSA's #StandAtDawn movement.

"As dawn breaks we can stand at the end of our driveways together in silence and pay tribute to those we should never forget. We can take time to pause, reflect and pay our respects to people who have given so much to us."

Ardern calls for Kiwis worldwide to stand as dawn breaks to show support as a collective. 

This is the first time since 1916 New Zealanders will not be at dawn parades, public services and war memorials on Saturday to mark the day of remembrance.

“Our #StandAtDawn Website, www.standatdawn.com, has lots of fun activities that the whole whanau can do to remember Anzac Day at home...lets not forget this day," added Clark.