Photo taken on April 25, 2020 shows a wreath marking the Anzac Day on the driveway in Canberra, Australia. Anzac Day, which is celebrated on April 25, marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by troops from Australia and New Zealand in World War I on Turkey's Gallipoli peninsula in 1915. (Photo by Chu Chen/Xinhua)
Hundreds of thousands of Australians watched the national dawn service held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra to commemorate all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars.
CANBERRA, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Australians on Saturday paused to commemorate the soldiers who had sacrificed their lives in wars from home amid restrictions during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Anzac Day, the day of remembrance for all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations, is celebrated every year on April 25.
With mass gatherings banned, Australians on Saturday observed the day from their homes rather than at traditional dawn services and commemorative marches.
People follow social distancing rules as they mark the Anzac Day in Canberra, Australia, on April 25, 2020. (Photo by Chu Chen/Xinhua)
The national dawn service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, which usually draws thousands of people, was attended by a handful of veterans and leaders while hundreds of thousands of people watched from home.
In his address, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that while traditions had been interrupted by the pandemic the day was no less meaningful.
"We're all in this together," he said. "We always will be."
There had been 6,687 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia as of Saturday morning, an increase of 20 since Friday morning. The death toll stood at 80.■
