Veterans MC 2020 – a very different ANZAC Day

Traditionally the Veterans MC Federal Chapter will spend ANZAC Day as a group on a club run to a small country town in NSW where we can ride our motorcycles in a parade.

The chapter forms up in the afternoon of the day before ANAZAC Day to travel as a group to the destination. The ride together is an important part of the activities as a club. We are, after all, a Motorcycle Club first and foremost.

Heading out from the Hall Truck Stop 2018

Outside Federation Motor Inn Young – 2019

For the past few years we have attended the town of Young, the Cherry capital of Australia. The town has really taken to the club and the club has enjoyed the people so much that 2020 would have been the fourth year in a row in Young and the third year in a row leading the parade.

Club bikes prior to the parade 2018

With the restrictions imposed by the COVID19 pandemic ANZAC Day 2020 was always going to be a day of commemoration with a difference.

Like many around Australia the day commenced with Dawn Service with family in the driveway while streaming the National Service from the Australian War Memorial.

In the pre-dawn light with family 2020

Reflection 2020

A toast for the fallen 2020

The Dawn Service and paying our respects to the Fallen is an extremely important part of the day. A parade is a way for the public to show appreciation.

Young Army Cadets at the 2018 parade

For those that have served the spirit of ANZAC is captured in the catch-ups that follow the official parts of the day. Having a beer with your brothers and sisters, talking to an old digger at the pub, a function with Corps or Unit Associations, lunch at the Services Club. It might be two-up or crown and anchor, it might be reminiscing it is always about remembering.

This year the catch up was very different with technology coming to the fore.

Catching up 2020

It was a very different day this year, it was still special, people still remembered. Text messages and emails were sent to comrades, phone calls were made.

Here’s to a more traditional ANZAC Day in 2021.

Lest We Forget…Mork