MILLICENT’S annual Anzac Day commemorative service will be closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic gripping the nation.
It will be 105 years on April 25 since Australian and New Zealand troops landed at Gallipoli, Turkey.
Millicent RSL sub-branch president Chris Mathias said the decision to restrict access was regrettable, but followed the direction of the state body.
Mr Mathias said neither dignitaries nor the wider community would be taking part in the yearly commemoration.
He said sub-branch chaplain Paul Hales would conduct the dawn service at the Cross of Sacrifice and there would be no mid-morning march or service.
“We in Millicent will be holding a dawn service for RSL Millicent members and local veterans only, starting at 6am and this will not be a public event,” Mr Mathias said.
In recent years, Millicent has had one of the best attendance figures on a per capita basis in the state with a crowd of more than 800 attending the Anzac Day dawn service and mid-morning march.
The state RSL directive is expected to impact on the Anzac Day arrangements of the Coonawarra/Penola RSL sub-branch.
It has become its custom to stage a mid-morning march and service each April 25.
Meanwhile, the Anzac commemorative events staged by community groups at Kalangadoo, Glencoe and Beachport also look to be in jeopardy.
State RSL president Cheryl Cates said the cancellation decision had not been taken lightly.
“Anzac Day is a significant event on the nation’s calendar,” Ms Cates said.
“It is in the best interest and wellbeing of our ageing veterans and the community at large.
“Anzac Day and all that it means to Australia is not less important this year.
There will be a dawn service in Adelaide, but the public will be asked not to attend.
“It has been agreed that our sub-branches throughout South Australia and the Northern Territory are permitted to conduct dawn services only,” Ms Cates.
“These dawn services are to only be with their members and the public are to be asked not to attend.
“We lose a chance to pay our due respect and acknowledge the great contribution servicemen and women have made.
“We will always remember the dedication, commitment and sacrifice of our Defence Forces, past and present.”
