This Anzac Day the ability to gather in person to honour our service men and women is a welcome return.

The 25 April ceremony, however, will be modest in order to keep everyone safe, with only a maximum of 5,000 veterans and 500 banner bearers/assistance people permitted to march along St Kilda Road to the Shrine of Remembrance.

Former Vietnam veteran/author Steve Kyritsis, who recently stood down as the president of the Hellenic RSL, registered for the event though he understands it will be different this year as veterans won’t march as groups.

For veterans, Anzac Day is an opportunity to meet up. Mr Kyritsis says they “love to march under their own banner, with their unit”.

“We are all disappointed that members of the Hellenic RSL won’t have the opportunity to take part in the march,” Mr Kyritsis said.

“However, I’m happy to say that I do have a Greek-Australian veteran from Sydney, and we’ll march together.”

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He has noticed the decline in the number of veterans at dawn services over the years, and the ages climbing.

“It is important to mention that the age of the majority of veterans are over 70 years, with some in their 80s, however the Anzac Day march all over Australia is very much still popular.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said “last year, in the face of a global pandemic, we found new ways to honour those that have served”,

“While we are able to participate at in-person services in 2021, I encourage all Australians to continue to follow state and territory COVID-19 guidelines as we reflect on the service and sacrifice of our personnel,” he said.

“Anzac Day is an important opportunity to reflect on and commemorate the sacrifices of our people, both domestically and overseas. I am proud of all personnel who are playing a part in services across the country.”

In addition to the national service at the Australian War Memorial, which will be televised and live-streamed by the ABC, Defence personnel will be represented in countless communities across Australia.

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Key services include:

  • Royal Australian Navy ships HMAS Sheean and HMAS Armidale are participating in the Dawn Service in Latrobe, Tasmania. This will be followed by a commemorative march and lunch.
  • The Royal Australian Air Force will be hosting a Dawn Service and a commemorative march in Townsville, QLD.
  • Australian Army personnel will be returning to Eden, NSW to assist the RSL with local Anzac Day activities.