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A number of states have moved to cancel some Anzac Day services and ban the public from attending others in an attempt to thwart the spread of coronavirus.
Key points:
- All states and territories aside from South Australia, NT and ACT have cancelled Anzac Day services
- Many states are looking into alternative ways for people to commemorate the day
- The move has been made to "protect our older veterans" from the spread of COVID-19
The RSL branches in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia have made the decision more than a month out from the April 25 memorials.
A selection of dawn services will be held across the country but the public will be asked not to attend. Any marches or midday services will be cancelled.
RSL Victoria state president Dr Robert Webster said it was not a decision taken lightly.
"Traditionally, many of us have marked Anzac Day by attending a dawn service at our local cenotaph or the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance," he said.
"But in 2020, on April 25, when you can't go to a local dawn service, the RSL is asking that instead you tune in via radio, social media or television and take a moment to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our veterans and those who are still serving today."
As of today, a Government recommendation to cancel all mass gatherings of over 500 people has come into effect.
RSL Queensland president Tony Ferris said the move was designed to protect "our older veterans" who are particularly at risk, and said he was looking into alternative ways for people to commemorate the day.
"Regardless of the form this year's Anzac Day commemorations take, we will always remember the dedication, commitment and sacrifice of our Defence forces, past and present," Mr Ferris said.
Robert Dick, state president of RSL Tasmania, said he was hoping the public could empathise with the decision.
"Yes, we cop a lot of public flak over the issue, but we ask them to consider everybody else, not just themselves," he said.
Several states and territories are yet to make a firm decision about their respective services.
On Friday, RSL South Australia state president Cheryl Cates said it was "premature to make any definitive decision" about cancellation.
The Australian War Memorial is still assessing its format for Anzac Day and has yet to make a final decision. It has said its decision will reflect the health advice of the ACT and Federal Governments.
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Topics: infectious-diseases-other, respiratory-diseases, anzac-day, australia