IT was the one event in 2020 where communities stood together in a united force of support to say thank you.
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Anzac Day meant so much more, when the future was so uncertain.
And it was the spirit of the Anzac tradition that underpinned the national gratitude shown to our first responders, health care staff and volunteers, as Australia emerged from devastating bushfires and into a crippling global health pandemic that changed our 'normal' forever.
In 2021, the streets of Port Macquarie-Hastings will be lined once again as the Anzac Day march and main service returns.
For Port Macquarie RSL sub-Branch president Greg Laird OAM it means the community can stand together to reflect and respect the nation's courage, mateship and for too many, their eternal sacrifice.
"To me it's a day we can all get together. It starts with the march. It means so much," Mr Laird said.
"I've had family in different wars and it's a time to think about all of them."
Mr Laird was overwhelmed by the community response in 2020. Children standing at the end of driveways, buglers on the headland and entire neighbours uniting to acknowledge the significance of the day, despite not being able to do it together.
"So many people came up to me and said they did it, they didn't forget. There was a hell of a lot of support," Mr Laird said.
"It really means people are so aware of what Anzac Day is. It's not a public holiday, it's a chance for them to say thank you."
Mr Laird said it means so much to ex-servicemen and women to march again this year.
A low key dawn service will be held at the cenotaph at 6am. It will be followed by the main march and service at 11am. Seating will be reserved for veterans only.
This year will be a significant milestone for Mr Laird.
He will retire from his position of 20 years and hand the presidency to veteran Jason Gill, a former signaller with special forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and Solomons.
Mr Laird has played an integral role in revitalising the Anzac Day tradition in Port Macquarie-Hastings.
Anzac Day 2020 | photos, video: A community unites to remember and say thank you
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the resumption of public Anzac Day commemorations is a sign Australia is back on track after marches around the country were cancelled last year because of the pandemic.
Anzac Day services overseas, however, will not go ahead as normal in 2021. The decision was made on the health advice of Australian authorities due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19.
This includes the Australian and New Zealand-led Anzac Day services in Turkey and the Australian services in France. The day will still be recognised in these countries however, with locally-based officials holding private commemorations.
A COVID-safe national service will be held at the Australian War Memorial and broadcast nationally, with all Australians encouraged to tune in and watch on the day.
The Department of Veterans' Affairs has a range of free resources available online for communities and individuals, to help them plan a commemorative service in their local area or at home.
Visit the Anzac Portal for more information anzacportal.dva.gov.au.
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