Remembrance Day will go online.
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While restrictions have been eased around the state for Remembrance Day, RSL NSW has encouraged people to stay COVID-safe and access the live stream of the NSW service at the Cenotaph at Martin Place, Sydney via the RSL NSW Facebook page.
RSL NSW has also announced the launch of the national Remember to Remember campaign, asking people to pause for one minute in their homes, schools or workplaces at 11.00 am on November 11 to remember and honour the memory of all Australians who served, are currently serving, and those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.
The traditional Poppy Appeal, a major fundraising period for RSL NSW, that has seen Poppies being sold by veterans and other community groups around the State for almost 100 years, has a dedicated online platform for the first time, due to COVID-19 restrictions and related concerns for the overall health and wellbeing of RSL NSW members.
RSL NSW acting president Ray James said the pandemic meant a change of how to bring life to the many important traditions that surrounded Remembrance Day.
"We ask that people 'Remember to Remember' and take a minute of their day to pay their respects," he said.
"While it seems like such a small thing to ask, we understand that life is speeding up again for many people and we hope that once again the people of NSW will respond by showing their respect this Remembrance Day."
Mr James said that people can donate to the Poppy Appeal and will receive a virtual poppy to plant alongside other poppies donated from across Australia.
"It also provides an opportunity to write a message of commemoration or respect that sits as part of the poppy, giving people a chance to honour a family member, friend, member of the community, or to more broadly acknowledge the overall sacrifice undertaken by all veterans and those currently serving in the protection of Australia," he said.
"The Poppy Appeal has been a mainstay across Australia for almost 100 years, but we cannot risk the health of RSL NSW members by doing this in-person this year.
"We hope people will embrace the opportunity to go online and make a donation to support the important work we do around veteran welfare, and continue this important tradition in a new way."
The Poppy Appeal is one of a number of initiatives taking place in the lead-up to, and on Remembrance Day itself, with RSL NSW also providing guidance on five key ways people can show their respect on a Remembrance Day that has had to evolve and change in the face of COVID-19 precautions.
Australians can learn more about the importance of Remembrance Day, be directed to a range of resources to assist them in their moment of silence, and also donate to the Poppy Appeal by visiting remembertoremember.com.au.
5 Ways You Can Commemorate Remembrance Day 2020
1. "Remember To Remember" - Observe one minute's silence and personal reflection at 11am on November 11. Pay tribute to all Australians who have served or are currently serving. Visit www.remembertoremember.com.au for guidance on services, to assist setting up reminders and to learn more about the importance of Remembrance Day.
2. Donate to the Poppy Appeal online - plant a virtual poppy in the RSL Poppy Appeal Remembrance Day Garden and leave a message of thanks for a veteran - go to www.poppyappeal.com.au. This year it is fully replacing the in-person fundraising that normally takes place around the community.
3. Tune into live services and virtual commemorative services. This includes the official livestream of the service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place that will be available via the RSL NSW Facebook page and NSW Government home page. Unless it has been previously arranged and confirmed, RSL NSW asks that you do not try and attend an in-person service.
4. Attend a BBQ to Remember- Get your mates together over a BBQ this Remembrance Day and make it a day to remember. Find out more - RSL NSW are proud partners with Swiss8 in bringing these BBQs to life across the state. Following the very latest health advisories and remaining precautious, we hope that people are able to get together in the spirit of the day.
5. Reach out to a veteran to say thank you and share Remembrance. Remembrance Day is another timely reminder that veterans around the state and country may be alone or at home on this important day for the first time in many years. Use Remembrance Day as an opportunity to reach out to a veteran you may know to offer your thanks and respect. You may also choose to visit the RSL NSW Facebook page, and share a message of remembrance using the hashtag #remembertoremember
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