Despite Anzac Day services being cancelled due to coronavirus, RSL Tasmania has assured the community April 25 will still be dedicated to remembering the fallen.
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The Tasmanian branch is hoping the state will be able to host a single ceremony on the day, that can be accessed through a streaming service to allow veterans and the general public to participate in the commemorations.
RSL Tasmania president Rob Dick said it was the first time since World War II that Anzac Day services had been cancelled.
"It is a very, very important part of the Australian psyche, we have seen over the last few years that attendance has increased and I think that's come from education and awareness," Mr Dick said.
"What we are asking is that people, even if they cannot attend or watch a service to take a minute on the day itself, around 11 o'clock, to pause and remember all those who have served.
"The three most important words we should be asking them to remember are 'Lest We Forget', if we can get that message out there, we haven't forgotten the sacrifice."
Mr Dick said RSL Tasmania was working with the government to organise the alternative service, as well as sub-branches to arrange a representative from each branch to lay a wreath at their cenotaph on the day.
"That way people can see we are still respecting and honouring the day."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Plans for the alternative service in Tasmania remain in the early stages, with news of cancellations across the country announced on Monday.
While it has not yet been decided where the service would be held and streamed from, Mr Dick said it would involve a "small number of VIP guests".
Mr Dick said he hoped the service could be televised, to include those without access to online streaming.
Tasmanian Minister for Veteran's Affairs Guy Barnett said he was working with the Tasmanian branch to finalise plans.
"We understand the significance of RSL Tasmania's decision to cancel all RSL conducted Anzac Day commemorative services in Tasmania, in light of concerns for the safety and wellbeing of the community at large and also for RSL members," he said.
"2020 marks the 105th anniversary of the start of the Gallipoli campaign and the birth of the Anzac legend, highlighting our national values of mateship, bravery and sacrifice.
"Tasmanians were among the first to land in Gallipoli in 1915, and have been active in Australia's military operations in following conflicts. Today more than 10,500 war veterans and ex-service personnel live in Tasmania."
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Melissa Mobbs
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Melissa Mobbs currently works as the Deputy Editor for The Examiner Newspaper in Launceston, and has a strong background in reporting on crime and the justice system. Send tips to Melissa.Mobbs@examiner.com.au or on Twitter via @melissamobbs.
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Melissa Mobbs currently works as the Deputy Editor for The Examiner Newspaper in Launceston, and has a strong background in reporting on crime and the justice system. Send tips to Melissa.Mobbs@examiner.com.au or on Twitter via @melissamobbs.
