CANBERRA, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Australians have been urged to observe the national day of remembrance for troops at home rather than in crowds to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Anzac Day, which is celebrated on April 25, marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by troops from Australia and New Zealand in World War I on Turkey's Gallipoli peninsula in 1915.
It is traditionally observed with dawn services, commemorative marches and remembrance services.
This year, Australians have been urged to gather in spirit and "light up the dawn" by standing in their driveways, on balconies or in living rooms on Saturday morning with candles in hand.
"This year, we will not be gathering at the local cenotaph, or attending gunfire breakfasts at the local Returned and Services League (RSL), or gathering together to bow our heads in silence and listen to the bugles at dawn," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a statement on Thursday.
"But we will still remember the sacrifice of those who gave so much for us at Gallipoli and on many fronts, as we ourselves give what we can to protect Australian lives while we face this terrible virus."
The Australian War Memorial in Canberra, which is usually the centerpiece of celebrations, has been given permission from Brendan Murphy, the chief medical officer, to hold a dawn service that will be broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
George Brandis, Australia's High Commissioner to Britain, and acting NZ High Commissioner David Evans, will stream a special commemoration service from their respective residences on Saturday.
"This year the crowds solemnly gathering at dawn services and cheering along parade routes are replaced by countless acts of quiet, solitary remembrance," Brandis told the Australian Associated Press (AAP).
"But the way we remember matters little. It is what we remember that counts."
