Join Coast for our virtual Anzac Day Dawn Service including a special recording of the Last Post

Kiwis might not be able to commemorate Anzac Day the traditional way this year but we're hoping you will unite with us tomorrow morning for a virtual Anzac Day Dawn Service.

For the first time in history, Anzac Day dawn ceremonies will not be taking place this April 25 due to the nationwide lockdown.

But, it does not mean that the tradition of remembering and commemorating our veterans and service personnel should be cancelled too.

The RSA and New Zealand Defence Force would like you to join us to remember those who gave their lives for our country.

This is a time to pay respect and acknowledge the many thousands of our military people who are serving or have served, who are called upon to support New Zealand in times of war, conflict and disasters.

Join us from 5:53am tomorrow morning.

Stand at your letterbox, at the front door, in your lounge rooms, balconies, in your driveway. Wherever you are in the world, stand with us and take a moment to remember our fallen – but please stay within your ‘bubble’.

Image / Rod Emmerson

Veterans are encouraged to wear their medals just as they would for the official public gathering. The morning service includes:

• The Last Post
• Ode of Remembrance
• National Anthem
• Address by Hon. Ron Mark, Minister of Defence / Minister for Veterans

If you miss the virtual Anzac Day Dawn Service, we will also pause at 10am to remember our fallen with the Last Post and Ode of Remembrance again.

We're also asking that you help us line the streets with poppies by putting the Herald's special Anzac poster in your window.

As a way to pay respects and honour our Anzacs from inside your bubble, please place the special edition poster from Herald artist and cartoonist Rod Emmerson - which is available to download below - inside your window.

Download a copy of Rod Emmerson's poppy poster here.

To donate to this year's RSA appeal, click here.