Australians have been urged to remember war veterans and all servicemen and women who are forced to commemorate Anzac day alone because of the impacts of the global coronavirus pandemic.

Delivering the annual dawn service address in Adelaide, Anzac Day committee chairman Ian Smith said warfare was brutal, destructive and costly and often took a severe toll on the civilian population as well as on those who fought.

“It often leaves permanent marks on those who endure it, physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally,” Mr Smith told the small group of invited guests at the city’s war memorial on Saturday.

“Its only compensating attributes are courage displayed in the face of death, and the uniting force of comradeship.

“Today, in this time of physical distancing, many men and women commemorating alone or with close family in Australia, New Zealand and across the world will be missing their mates and finding this Anzac day particularly hard.

“Many will appreciate a call from friends and family.”

Mr Smith said the “strange time of isolation and separation” from loved ones had also turned his thoughts to the plight of Australian prisoners of war during the Second World War.

“In this difficult time for all Australians, we acknowledge the lessons our service personnel have taught us by their example,” he said.

“How to endure hardship and be courageous, to be daring as well as resilient, the importance of self-belief, and to unite when faced with adversity.”

Also in attendance were South Australian Governor Hieu Van Le, Premier Steven Marshall, Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas and representatives of the army, navy and air force.

Governor Le presented the first wreath, followed RSL state president Cheryl Coates and then the premier.

Police established a wide cordon around the war memorial which normally hosts a crowd of more than 10,000 for the dawn service.

source: news.com.au