ANZAC Day services across the state were cancelled weeks ago, but as dawn breaks on Saturday, people across Bathurst are being called to honour the service of all veterans with their own private commemorations.
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The Bathurst RSL Sub Branch, with the help of local radio stations 2BS and 2MCE, will broadcast two services in place of those the city would normally host, had the COVID-19 pandemic not hit.
Sub Branch president David Mills said the two pre-recorded services had already been made and they would be played at 6am and 10.30m on April 25.
"We've done a short dawn service which will be played on 2BS, B-ROCK and 2MCE at 6am," Mr Mills said.
"What we're asking people to do is to stand at their letterbox, perhaps holding a candle, and listen to the service.
"The Last Post will be played as part of the program."
Mr Mills added that it would also be a time for the community can to check on their neighbours, while still isolating.
For those who usually go to the later Anzac Day service, Mr Mills said at 10.30am a second pre-recorded service will play on the radio, and will go for about 15 minutes.
"Both programs will have a message, and the usual features of our Anzac Day services; the Last Post, Reveille, The Ode," he said.
"This is a way we can still commemorate Anzac Day and make sure we don't forget what we're about.
"Statewide, the RSL was forced to cancel all services because of the coronavirus. This is our way to still do something on Anzac Day."
Mr Mills said the recording was made about a fortnight ago.
However, this year's service would not include a student address.
"Because we went into lockdown so early we ran out of time, we had to do things a little differently," he said.
"Paul Toole is delivering the Dawn Service message and I'm doing the 10.30am service."
This is a way we can still commemorate Anzac Day and make sure we don't forget what we're about.
- Bathurst RSL Sub Branch president David Mills
Mr Mills said he hopes as many people as possible engage in their own private commemoration on Anzac Day, saying there were similarities between the characteristics of the Anzacs and the situation faced by the community now.
"We'd just like to engage people in a private commemoration of Anzac Day," he said.
Mr Mills encouraged people not to forget Anzac Day, its values and its significance to Australians.
"I strongly recommend members of the community do what they can as individuals to honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans and current servicemen and women," he said.
