Nation backs home tributes
and end up at the Townsville RSL, but strict COVID-19 regulations meant services were cancelled across the nation.
Despite the changes, he considered Saturday’s service much more significant.
“It is the re-emergence of Anzac Day,” he said.
“No matter what is put in front of us, this shows we can climb over it and still remember the people that served.”
THE humble veteran behind a nationwide Anzac Day movement says he hopes people turn his idea into a tradition for years to come, as Townsville streets lit up for unique driveway services.
Terry James, who is one of two former Townsville defence force personnel responsible for the RSL’S Light Up the Dawn movement, has been inundated with photos and messages from people putting his idea into practice.
The retired Warrant Officer initially posted the idea on social media after a conversation with friend and former Commanding Officer of the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment Brigadier Bill Sowry (Retired).
The idea quickly gained popularity and has touched thousands of lives nationwide.
“I’m thrilled everyone has taken it on board,” he said.
“It’s a simple and safe idea … and something every year.”
While the coronavirus pandemic halted Dawn Services and Anzac Day marches across the state, thousands of quiet tributes took place at Townsville.
The warm glow of the sun rose Saturday morning into a cloudless sky with the sound of bagpipes and The Last Post echoing through streets.
Families, children and veterans paid their respects with we can do candles, wreaths, crosses and even paintings across the city as residents experienced an Anzac Day like never before.
A painter and Mount Louisa resident Pat Lowth displayed a painting of a soldier for his driveway tribute.
The artwork, which took two weeks to paint, was one of about 30 military-themed works Mr Lowth had painted over the years
WO1 James said the initiative was perfect for veterans struggling with mental health issues or injuries from service.
The 46-year-old father, who was medically discharged from the army this year with PTSD, said it gave those who would not usually publicly pay respects to do so from their own home.
He led a special Dawn Service for his street on Saturday and spent the rest of his day with his family, playing boardgames and spending time at home.