To pay respect on Anzac Day we would attend parades, church services and the dawn service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. RSA volunteers would exchange your red poppy buttonhole flowers in return for a donation in support of their organization’s welfare fund.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic these events have been cancelled. So how can we show our respect and honour those who have served our country?
There will be a virtual dawn service that will be broadcast from 6am on the 25th of April on RNZ National. National President of the RSA BJ Clark said that wherever you are in the world you could take a stand with them by taking a moment to remember our fallen. He suggested standing at your letterbox, front door, in your driveway or lounge but remember to stay within your bubble.
The RSA has a ‘Decorate your Letterbox’ or window competition, where you could win RSA themed prizes. Create a poppy garden (ideas are below) take a photo of it then upload it to Instagram or Facebook with the tag @RSA National, @NZ DefenceForce and use the hashtag #Standatdawn.
“This year, more than ever, we need to draw on the many qualities that the enduring Anzac spirit has taught us -mateship, endurance, good humour, ingenuity, and courage. We encourage veterans, our service people, families and the wider public to engage with the stand at dawn campaign. It is about keeping the Anzac spirit of self-sacrifice alive and relevant for the challenging times in which we now live -more than ever we need to be kind to each other and become stronger from coming together as communities,” Clark said.
Some of the ideas for making your own Anzac poppies as shown below but feel free to create your own ideas.
We’ve also included a recipe for Anzac biscuits which makes 30, depending on size.
Anzac Biscuit Recipe
1 cup flour
1 cup caster sugar
1 cup desiccated coconut
2 cups rolled oats
125g butter
2 tbsp golden syrup
1 tsp baking soda
3 tbsp boiling water
1. Heat oven to 180°C (160°C fan bake). Line two baking trays with nonstick baking paper. Place flour, caster sugar, coconut and oats in a bowl and stir to combine. Make a well in the centre.
2. Place butter and golden syrup in a saucepan to melt, or microwave in a bowl to melt. Dissolve baking soda in boiling water. Add melted ingredients and dissolved baking soda to dry ingredients and mix to combine.
3. Roll spoonful’s into balls and press onto prepared baking trays, allowing space for biscuits to spread while cooking.
4. Bake for 15 minutes or until firm and golden brown. Remove to a wire rack to cool, and enjoy!
