Since the rise of covid early last year the world has had to make some huge adjustments to the way we live. We have had to put measurements in place to protect ourselves, our families, and the people around us. As a result, it has become difficult to have a sense of normalcy in our lives and we have had to think of ways to celebrate and commemorate key events without risking exposure to covid.
One such event is Anzac Day. Anzac Day is an important occasion and is normally commemorated by attending a Dawn Service. One such Dawn Service is held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and is broadcasted live across Australia.
Last year, Anzac Day Dawn Services and marches were cancelled for the public and Australian’s were left to find different ways to commemorate the occasion at home with their families. Many families held their own Dawn Service at home. Last year, Justin Wilbur, the son of a war veteran, encouraged Australians to hold their own Dawn Service at home by coming together on their driveways at 5:55am on 25 April, light a candle and share a minute’s silence. This is now known as the Driveway at Dawn movement.
This movement has continued into 2021, and may very well continue for years to come, and is a great way to get the kids involved in the Anzac tradition and to learn of its significance. Some other ways of celebrating Anzac Day at home include baking Anzac Day biscuits, making Anzac Day crafts (such as paper poppies to keep near your windows), researching a relative, sending a card to a veteran, and reading age-appropriate books about the significance of Anzac Day. It can be difficult to explain the significance of Anzac Day in an age-appropriate way, which makes children’s picture books a great resource for young children.
At Angel’s Paradise we believe in teaching our students about our past and commemorating important occasions.