THERE will be no large crowd at the Penola Memorial Park this Anzac Day as COVID-19 restrictions remain tight.
State and Federal Government restrictions have prohibited the usual Anzac Day ceremonies across the country, with public gatherings banned and social distancing protocols in place.
Last month, the South Australian RSL branch cancelled all Anzac Day ceremonies beyond dawn services across the state, saying the decision was in the best interest and well-being of ageing veterans.
The group said dawn services were only to be held with sub-branch members and the public were asked not to attend.
Despite the restriction, community members are expected to honour Australian and New Zealand service men and women from their homes this year.
Penola resident and Vietnam War veteran Neville Dixon will take the time to reflect on his good mates at a closed, small ceremony at the Penola War Memorial Park on Saturday.
Mr Dixon served from 1968 to 1969 at the age of 22 years old and said Anzac Day was of particular significance as his father also served the country during World War II.
“There were some men younger than me who about 19 years old and we went through recruitment training together,” Mr Dixon said.
“Usually on Anzac Day my unit and I will meet up together in Adelaide, but of course this year we cannot.”
Mr Dixon said although he was unable to commemorate the day with his unit, he would still rise before dawn on Saturday to pay tribute to those he served with.
“I did lose quite a few good friends during the year I served and it was quite traumatic, but at the time your training kicks in and you learn to live with it,” he said.
“At the time it does not effect you too much, but as time goes on the more you think about it the more it does.
“Those who served in Vietnam usually catch up in Canberra every other year, however as the years go on more pass away.”
Mr Dixon encouraged residents to pay their respects from driveways, front yards and balconies on Saturday.
“Penola is a very supportive town, but unfortunately this year there will only be a few of us who are able to lay wreaths at the memorial,” he said.
“The community can still remember those who have fallen over the last century from World War I right up until Afghanistan and remember those who have given up their lives so we can continue to enjoy the lifestyle we have today.
“People are looking at standing at the end of their driveways to reflect and remember our fallen soldiers too which I think is a fantastic idea.”
Mr Dixon said individuals who wished to lay wreaths at the Penola War Memorial would be able to do so after the dawn service while adhering to social distancing restrictions.
A nationwide commemorative service will be televised on Saturday.
