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A live stream and an interactive poppy wall are among a number of initiatives introduced by Remembrance Day organisers to encourage people to commemorate the day despite being unable to attend events due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Australian War Memorial will broadcast the national ceremony live on television and online from 10.45am, with memorial director Matt Anderson encouraging people to tune into the broadcast and take the time to reflect on this important day. There will also be a range of resources available online to help people reflect on the day, including short films and webinars, while the interactive poppy wall allows people to place a virtual poppy and personalised message for those who have served. “While we are unable to welcome the general public to this year’s ceremony, I urge all Australians to share this moment with us through the ABC broadcast or online from wherever they are at 11am on Remembrance Day,” Mr Anderson said. For many veterans the lockdown and absence of Anzac Day public services has meant a significant lack of interaction with their RSL community. RSL ACT acting president John King said as RSL sub-branches are reopening for face-to-face meetings, there has been a surge of involvement from the veteran community. “We’re finding there’s a greater attendance to those meetings than there was in the past because they’ve been isolated for so long,” he said. “They’re talking to their mates and getting things off their chest and it seems to have more importance now than it did prior to COVID.” Mr King said he has observed similar enthusiasm from the wider community and hopes it will carry over into Remembrance Day. “We’re currently raising funds for our welfare services and many people who come to our tables have commented on the fact that we were missed on Anzac Day. It’s absolutely incredible, I’ve been stunned that people can be so generous after being locked up,” he said. The national Remembrance Day ceremony will retain traditional elements such as one minute’s silence at 11am, the laying of wreaths by invited dignitaries, the sounding of the Last Post, and a commemorative address by Corporal Daniel Keighran VC. The memorial will reopen at the end of the ceremony. The Last Post ceremony is at 4.55pm and can be attended in person or online. The memorial will host an evening opening of the Commemorative Area with extended hours from 5.30pm.

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