This year Anzac Day falls on Saturday April 25, 2020. Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance for Australian and New Zealand women and men who served in all wars to defend their country.
We pay our respects to all those who have served in our militaries and reflect on their courage and sacrifice. We remember those who never returned, those who were injured from battle and those who maintained the home front. We acknowledge those who are currently serving.
Australians and New Zealanders in New York usually come together in-person on Anzac Day to pay our respects. However due to strict US Government mandates banning public gatherings during COVID-19, in-person events will not take place this year.
Instead, AWNY has put together the following list of virtual events and at-home activities so that one of the most important national occasions for Australians and New Zealanders can be honored.
Virtual Dawn Service
Anzac Day 2020 Livestream, Hosted by the New Zealand and Australian Consuls-General
The annual Anzac Day Dawn Services and Commemorative Church Services that are usually held in New York and Washington DC will not take place in person this year. Instead, the Australian and New Zealand Embassies will be livestreaming an Anzac Day Dawn Service.
Date & time: Saturday April 25, time TBA
Link: TBA, check the Anzac Day 2020 Livestream Facebook Event.
Anzac Day Catering
Aussie Pies and Sausages
Aussie bakery based in Los Angeles is offering an Anzac Day package, including party pies, sausage rolls, lamingtons and Anzac bikkies. Order by April 20th, ships April 23rd. (Online)
Australian Bakery Cafe
Aussie bakery based in Marietta, Georgia is offering Anzac Day specials via online ordering, including Anzac biscuits, meat pies, sausage rolls, sausages for the bbq. (Online)
Boomerang Bites
Hoboken-based, Aussie woman owned artisanal bakery, Boomerang Bites will be offering single flavor boxes for Anzac Day–so homesick Aussies can opt for a box chock full of chewy Anzacs (or any other favorite bite). Shipping deadline for Anzac Day delivery is Wednesday morning April 22. To place an order email Andrea: info@boomerangbites.com. (Online)
The Thirsty Koala
Astoria-based Aussie restaurant and bakery offers traditional Aussie desserts including lamingtons and sticky date pudding. They offer takeout or contactless delivery. You can order directly from their website or through Grubhub, Seamless, Uber Eats. (Astoria)
If you’re looking for Anzac biscuits or want to make your own you can find more info here.
Virtual Get Togethers in New York
Zoom Online Gathering Hosted by The Australian Community
The Australian Community are bringing together Australians across the USA through song, poetry and reading letters from the Diggers at Gallipoli and the Somme. This online Zoom gathering features live performances by leading Australians in New York.
Date & Time: Saturday April 25, 12 – 3pm
Link: RSVP here for the Zoom link
Aussie Meetup Group
Since there won’t be any events this year with the Aussie Meetup Group, you can do as Caroline is doing and hang an Aussie flag out of your window.
Events in Australia
Anzac Day Virtual Choir Hosted by The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
The MSO has commissioned a new arrangement of Banjo Paterson’s Waltzing Matilda from Australian composer, Joe Twist, designed to bring together members of the MSO, MSO Chorus and singers from around the world. Proudly supported by MSO premiere partner, Ryman Healthcare Ltd.
Date & Time: Friday April 24, 7.30pm AEST
Link: MSO YouTube channel
Anzac Day 2020: Australia Broadcasting Corporation Coverage
Tune into the ABC for Anzac Day coverage and pay your respects from wherever you are. The ABC will broadcast the National Commemorative Service live from Saturday April 25, 5.30am AEST, including a minute silence around 6am AEST. Join the conversation online by using #AnzacDay2020.
Date & Time: Saturday April 25, 5.30am AEST
Anzac Day 2020: RSL Driveway Commemoration
RSL groups from all states and territories have asked Australians to unite in recognizing all armed services personnel by standing on their driveways or within their home, with a candle or the light on your phone.
Date & Time: Saturday April 25, 6am AEST
Events in New Zealand
Stand At Dawn, Presented by RSA and New Zealand Defense Force
Remember those who given their lives and pay respects for the many thousands of military people who are serving or have served, who are called upon to support New Zealand in times of war, conflict and disasters. Stand at your letterbox, front door, lounge rooms, balcony, etc. Wherever you are in the world, stand and take a moment to remember the fallen – but please stay within your ‘bubble’. Tune into Radio NZ for the official dawn service broadcast. Join the conversation online with #StandAtDawn.
Date & Time: Saturday April 25, 6am NZST
Link: Radio NZ
At-Home Activities
The ABC News presents a guide of online and at-home events.
The Dept of Veterans’ Affairs presents a guide for personal commemorative services, including learning activities for kids and virtual tours.
The Auckland City Council presents a guide of activities to commemorate Anzac Day at home, including Stand At Dawn educational activities for kids and dressing a teddy bear with a home made poppy.
Have you heard about any other virtual Anzac Day events in NYC and beyond?
Let us know via email or on Facebook, and we’ll help spread the word.
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 