WITH Australians encouraged to stand at their driveway from 6am tomorrow to honour the Anzacs in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, one Mount Gambier man will ensure an entire neighbourhood can commemorate the day with some traditional touches.
Hallmont Estate resident Siggy Izykiewicz will use a public address system to sound the Last Post and Reveille – complete with a minute of silence – to help retain some tradition for his fellow residents and the surrounding community.
Mr Izykiewicz has spent the week planning the concept with other residents, several of which would usually participate in the annual Vansittart Park dawn service or Anzac Day march along Commercial Street.
“I had not heard that anybody else was going to be playing anything so I thought I would get my own system out and play the songs for our neighbours,” Mr Izykiewicz said.
“There is not much else that we can do at the moment because of the restrictions and we have quite a few elderly neighbours who go to the dawn service each year.”
Mr Izykiewicz said he felt something had to be done to keep the tradition alive for those who may be struggling with the societal changes brought on due to COVID-19.
“It is another way that we can make sure Anzac Day does not get forgotten this year,” he said.
“Each one of our neighbours that we have spoken to about it says it is a brilliant idea.”
Hallmont Estate traditionally hosts its own community mid-morning event but that has been cancelled this year due to coronavirus.
Residents will also have an opportunity to lay wreaths at the retirement village.
The son of a Polish soldier, Mr Izykiewicz’s father died when he was just three years of age.
“I was quite young so I do not know much about that but it is still important for me to do my part in ensuring others are able to pay their respects as well,” he said.
His wife Gay supported the initiative, stating it was about respecting those who went to war and what was sacrificed, as well as remembering the past.
“It is significant for the older generation and it is important to try and keep the tradition alive for them, especially when things have been changing,” Ms Izykiewicz said.
“Residents have already had to adjust to changes in their annual routine with Easter being a significant step as many did not get to see their children or their grandchildren, which is usually a major tradition for them.
“We cannot afford to let these things go by without trying to maintain some normality with them.”
Mr Izykiewicz will sound the Last Post and Reveille from 6am at his Hallmont Estate property, located near the man-made lake.
