This year’s ANZAC Day was one unlike any other we have seen before. While Dawn Services and marches were cancelled, there were still ways Australians paid their respects to our servicemen and women.
The Toowoomba chapter of Young Veterans rallied veterans and volunteers together to execute “Flags on the Homefront”. The idea was sparked by Young Veteran’s co-founder, Scott May. “Basically, with the current situation we find ourselves in we had to amend our ANZAC Day commemorations and it was something that we came up with Young Veterans and the Toowoomba united RSL,” Scott explained. The concept was to erect flagpoles at veteran’s homes so they could observe ANZAC Day from home. “We’ve found that people are actually now organising street services where they’re all going to stand in their driveway and the flag becomes a focal point,” Scott said.
Looking after their mates and fellow veterans is something the Young Veterans value all year ‘round. Not just on ANZAC Day. The group host fishing trips, four–wheel driving tagalongs, camping weekends, you name it. If it’s outdoors, they’re doing it!
Mates 4 Mates is another organisation that uses the outdoors as a means of connecting with fellow veterans. Marc Diplock is the Queensland Manager of Mates 4 Mates. While recent restrictions have been placed on gathering outdoors in groups, he’s still encouraging veterans to get outdoors with their family or a mate. “The kids are stuck at home, so we’ve got a lot of families that are housebound at the moment so it’s a great opportunity to take the kids and go for a walk around the block,” Marc said. “If you’re close to a great area like this, go for a walk along a bush trail.”
We know that this year’s ANZAC Day will be one we remember for many years to come. To those who that have fallen, those who have served and those who are still serving, we thank you.
Lest we forget.
