“This time last year like so many other times in our history, we faced a defining moment as a nation, a moment of uncertainty and danger, when the future seems so uncertain masked by fog,” he said.
“We couldn’t gather, indeed, but we held candles in our driveways and on balconies and we played the Last Post on phones and radios and some will do together.
“We discovered a deep truth about who we are. Our strength is found in each other.”
In Sydney, 1200 people attended the service at Martin Place.
RSL NSW President Ray James told Weekend Today Anzac Day is an important occasion to remember those who haven’t returned home.
“I know myself and other individuals I talk to, you reflect in similar ways,” Mr James said.
“You reflect on the people you served with, especially as a veteran and think of family members who never came home or family members still serving. It’s very important.
“It makes you get goose bumps I suppose.”
Around 10,000 then marched through the CBD for the official parade.
Attendees included 104-year-old WWII vet Alf Carpenter, who marched proudly down Elizabeth St.
In Coogee, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, thousands turned out for the dawn service and then parade along the popular stretch of coast.
Lifeguards stood with veterans to pay tribute to those who have fought for our freedom.
At Melbourne’s Shine of Remembrance, 1400 people were allowed to attend.
A high metal fence was erected around the shine to keep people away.
Many were frustrated by the cap, particularly because crowd numbers have been boosted at the MCG for AFL games this weekend.
“Obviously we’re younger veterans, but out of frustration and almost protest I came here because I refuse to get a ticket to allowing what, 75,000 people to go to football but I can’t come here to mourn, pay my respects,” veteran Brett Harrison told Weekend Today.
The Light up the Dawn campaign began last year during the COVID lockdown when services were cancelled amid the pandemic.
Rather than attending events, people were urged to light a candle and stand in their driveways to pay their respects.
From driveways to marches, young and old commemorate Anzac Day
Today, that tradition was continued across many cities and towns.
Brisbane also took part in the Light up the Dawn services, planting poppies and pay tribute to the fallen.
This content first appear on 9news