Anzac Day 2020

ANZAC DAY 2020 (April 25th)

It was so unfortunate a threat of an ongoing spread in community transmission arising from a very serious pandemic (Covid 19) prompted this annual and special event to be cancelled.

As during this period of time a nationwide household lockdown was enforced for controlling this new, very serious and nasty virus.

However, it was important to continue acknowledging the significance of this public event.

Hence, believe it was somewhat informally decided an alternative arrangement was required to consider the introduction of an alternative option.

As it was recognised many people (at home and in their “bubble”) could become involved to assist in this alternative idea.

This commenced prior to Anzac Day as a large number of commemorative type placards, unique designs, flags etc were seen displayed on the fences of many residences.

Additionally, appropriate communicative options were implemented (via emails, media, TV, radio etc.) to introduce further or additional methods to acknowledge this occasion.

This introduced an involvement throughout New Zealand with many Brass and Pipe Band members being heard playing outside their households on the dawn of Anzac Day. Contact was also made with a former RNZAF Pilot whom annually represents NZ at the large Sydney Anzac Parade.

Consequently this Kiwi-type idea was promptly relayed to the organiser of the Sydney Parade (the relevant Allied Australian Commander) and believe a similar concept occurred right throughout Australia.

My personal involvement was in being heard playing the Last Post and Reveille at 6.00am outside my home in Northcote, Christchurch.

It was an honour and privilege to share this special time with my local neighbourhood, whom many were seen present at this early hour.

Gary L Watts

Canterbury Neighbourhood Support Camden Street and Northcote area Co-ordinator, Christchurch