While we are unable to attend services and parades this Anzac Day, there are still plenty of ways we can reflect and commemorate those men and women who so bravely served and sacrificed for New Zealand and Australia. We've put together a few of the ways of how we'll be paying tribute with our families.
Stand At Dawn – Commemorating Anzac Day in our bubbles
Apart, but together as one.
Join in with fellow Kiwi’s and our friends across the Tasman to ‘Stand At Dawn’ this Anzac Day. The Returned and Services Association (RSA) and the New Zealand Defence Force are asking New Zealanders to join in with our Australian friends and commemorate Anzac Day safely in our bubbles, by standing in doorways, windows, front porches or balconies, at 6am on Anzac Day, Saturday 25th of April. A virtual Anzac Day service will be broadcasted on Radio NZ National which you can tune in to on your phones or other device, and pay tribute to the men and women who served and sacrificed for us. You can find out more about ‘Stand At Dawn’ here.
Alternatively, choose a spot in your front or back yard, gather with your families and hold your own at-home service. Light a candle, share a minute’s silence, listen to ‘The Last Post’ and stand and reflect on the brave ones who served for us.
Teddy Bears take on the Poppy
Teddy Bears have become friendlier than ever as Kiwi’s across the country have been displaying the cuddly toys in their windows, for kids and families walking by to ‘collect’ on their neighbourhood teddy bear hunts. For Anzac day, give your teddy bears a poppy or decorate your windows or letterbox with special drawings and paintings. The red Flanders’ poppy was the first plant to re-emerge from the soil of soldiers’ graves during the First World War and has become a symbol of remembrance for those who lost their lives.
Make a Poppy Wreath
Floral wreaths made from laurel, rosemary or poppies which symbolise honour and remembrance, are traditionally laid down to remember those who have given their lives for us. Why not gather some supplies you have at home and make your own wreaths with your kids, for a fun activity and opportunity to learn a little more about Anzac day with your loved ones. You can create DIY wreaths using anything around the house - whether this is paper and paint, leaves and flowers from the garden, play dough, tissue paper, or paper plates. If you have an egg carton, paper plate and some paint you can follow the steps here for a crafty way to make a remembrance wreath.
Bake Anzac Biscuits
Anzac Day just wouldn’t be the same without a fresh batch of homemade Anzac Day cookies. Grab your little helpers, head to the kitchen and whip up some delicious and delectable biccies for the whole family.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 125g butter
- 2 tbsp golden syrup
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp bicarbonate soda
And here’s what to do:
- Preheat oven to 160°C and line two baking trays with non-stick paper.
- Sift flour into a large bowl then stir in rolled oats, coconut and brown sugar.
- Place butter, golden syrup and water into a saucepan. Stir while on medium heat until melted then add bicarbonate soda.
- Pour butter mixture into the flour mixture and stir until combined.
- Roll mixture into balls then place on tray and press with fork to flatten slightly.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
