Personal Anzac Day moments could continue

Personal commemorations at home could become a new Anzac Day tradition alongside future services and marches.

Officials believe the grassroots movement to mark this year's coronavirus-hit Anzac Day has probably inspired more Australians than usual to honour veterans and current defence personnel.

RSL national president Greg Melick hopes initiatives like light up the dawn, which sprang up on social media, continue in the future alongside traditional services, ceremonies and marches.

"I think this is going to lead to a lot more people doing something on Anzac Day and remembering those sacrifices, both past and present," he said.

"My view is that the more people get involved, the more appreciative veterans are going to be."

RSL Victoria state president Robert Webster also wants the driveway commemoration to become an annual tradition.

"In some way, we probably reached more people than we might have reached at the Shrine this morning. To me, that's a really important lesson that we've learnt," Dr Webster said.

"In future we will probably get a mixture of both. I hope it does continue to add to the commemoration."

Mr Melick said gathering at the end of driveways or on front yards was a way for people who would not traditionally attend a dawn service to honour veterans.

He said it would also appeal to those veterans who did not like participating in Anzac Day events because it brought back painful memories.

"They like to reflect upon what they've been through and their friends who are no longer with us," Mr Melick said.

"This way they can do it in private. But at least if they get down the end of their driveway, they feel like part of a community, remembering."

Retired army Lance Corporal David Scott, who sounded The Last Post outside his Perth retirement home on Saturday, applauded the driveway dawn service concept.

"I think it's a great idea - whoever came up with it needs a pat on the back because it's really helped to commemorate the Anzacs and everybody is still involved, which is what we want, especially for the young people," he said.

While traditional Anzac ceremonies abroad were also cancelled, Australian high commissions and embassies around the world used social media platforms to help expats commemorate the day.

Prince Edward - the Duke of Kent and the Queen's first cousin - paid tribute to service men and women from Australia and New Zealand on behalf of the British royal family.

He linked the qualities of those who have served in the past to those currently fighting the battle against COVID-19.

"Those who continue to serve beyond the Australian and New Zealand armed forces in this global fight reflect the best traditions of those who've served before, showing courage, determination and verve," Prince Edward said on Twitter.