Anzac Day 2020 will be unlike any other. For the first time in a century the streets will be empty; there will be no suburban dawn services, mid-morning marches or afternoon two-up matches.
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Instead Australians are asked to unite and recognise past and current armed services personnel by standing in their driveways or living rooms at 6:00am for a dawn service with a difference.
The RSL has also encouraged people to take part in a Community Ode by recording a video of themselves reciting The Ode and posting it to social media in the lead-up to ANZAC Day
"The Ode is a crucial element of all ANZAC Day services, its words embedded in the hearts and minds of Australians as a way we can solemnly communicate our enduring appreciation for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. The Ode is also an enduring promise that we will continue to honour them, and never forget," Acting President of RSL NSW Ray James said.
"This year, as we cannot come together in person, these video messages alongside any personal messages of support will be one way we all come together in our time of commemoration, albeit virtually."
The Albury RSL sub-branch is also using technology to bring the local community together.
Local radio station 2AY will play prerecorded elements of the traditional dawn service at 6am.
"We are looking at it as an opportunity," sub-branch president Graham Docksey said.
"I have lined up an MC, a chaplain and a bag piper. We will sing hymns and the national anthem."
The 10am service will also be broadcast with listeners invited to participate in the nation's unofficial national anthem 'I am Australian'.
"Each year we try and build a bit on what we did previously. This year we will do things a little differently," Mr Docksey said.
The Australian War Memorial Anzac day service is scheduled to proceed and will be broadcast on the ABC from 5:30am AEST.
The service will involve a revised ceremony with no veterans' march and no members of the public present.
"Anzac Day is a symbolic day for Australians and New Zealanders with the Australian War Memorial being the centre of Australia's national commemoration," Anne Bennie, assistant director of public programs said.
"Due to COVID-19 the Memorial is not open to the public and we will be encouraging people to mark Anzac Day respectfully from their homes."
At 11:30am local time, a two-minute reflection video will be live-streamed across all ABC local radio Facebook pages and on the ABC News Facebook page.
For more information on the #ANZACspirit campaign visit www.rslanzacspirit.com.au.
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