ANZAC Day Tradition
reborn
2021 photos by Christabel Migliorini
After being locked down and locked out in 2020, ANZAC Day was back as big as ever – or bigger – in towns and cities all around Australia in 2021. With COVID restrictions all-but lifted nation wide (with a few notable exceptions), veterans and supporters were out in droves to mark that most special day of the year for those who have served in our nation’s defence and those who are grateful for their sacrifice. As many as 20,000 current-serving ADF personnel were out in uniform supporting vigils and ceremonies big and small. Defence members took part in commemorations in communities where they feel a strong connection – the place they think of as home, the community they currently serve in or communities they bonded with during during recent emergencies. About 130 officers and soldiers travelled back to communities they assisted during Operation Bushfire Assist 2019-20, such as Eden on the NSW south coast, Mallacoota in Victoria and Kangaroo Island off South Australia.
18
Commander Forces Command Major General Matt Pearse said it was important for soldiers to preserve the connections they built in some of the worst fire-affected areas. “As the COVID-19 restrictions eased, this was an opportunity to strengthen Army’s commitment and contribution to our community,” he said. “Many of those communities asked us to make a particular effort to get our people back so the community could show their appreciation for the work they did.” Troops from brigades, training centres and units in Brisbane, Darwin, Adelaide and Sydney gladly participated. “While we’re always working hard to connect with everyone who lives nearby, there is of course often another place we think of as home, or where we have a deep connection with a community that time and distance cannot erode,” Major General Pearse said. “As we get back to our core business of training for war, it’s good for us to pause and gather with
CONTACT Air Land & Sea – Issue 70 – June 2021
