The sporting community is being encouraged to support the RSL’s #StandTo campaign this Anzac Day.
Anzac Day is a significant day for all Australians and is often a time for private reflection.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs encourages all Australians to pause and reflect on the service and sacrifice of the more than 102,000 Australians who have died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
While commemorations have been cancelled overseas and across Australia, Australians are encouraged to continue to mark this important national commemorative date.
The AFL’s annual Anzac Day ceremony will go ahead this year despite the COVID-19 enforced shutdown of matches, with the reciting of the Ode of Remembrance and a lone bugler playing Last Post to an empty MCG from 1pm Saturday.
The ceremony will be broadcast on AFL.com.au, the AFL Live Official App and other media platforms prior to what would have been the annual Collingwood-Essendon Anzac Day blockbuster.
The AFL and its member leagues are encouraging fans to walk out into their yards, driveways and balconies during the ceremony, and to share their experiences on social media, all as part of support for the RSL’s #StandTo social media initiative and the Anzac appeal.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said it was important that Anzac Day be acknowledged by the football industry despite there being no matches.
“Potentially simplicity is the best, and there will be a reality that it will have to be simple,” McLachlan said.
“But if we can do a small bit for people to reflect and understand and if we can do that as an industry, and do it in a way because of the legacy that has been created through that Anzac Day game, and then the broader things that our industry does, then I think it would be a great thing.
“It’s as important a day we have in our calendar, where I think we do our bit to honour our service men and women, those who have made the sacrifice historically and for those who continue to do so.”
Further to the AFL’s Anzac Day ceremony, Australians are encouraged to hold their own private commemorations and watch a televised national service from the Australian War Memorial.
This service is scheduled to commence with the pre-service program at 5am and the national service at 5.30am. Please check your local guides for further broadcast information.
