COVID-19 might have put a dampener on Anzac Day but local veterans groups across the Shoalhaven came up with different ways to commemorate 2020.
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Both the Nowra RSL Sub-Branch and the Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group marked the occasion with pride and respect.
With traditional Anzac Day services, commemorations and marches not allowed, this year's commemoration took on even more importance.
The Nowra RSL marked the occasion with both the Australian and New Zealand flags being raised and wreaths being laid at both the Nowra Memorial Gates at the Nowra Showground and at Anzac Park at Greenwell Point.
Nowra RSL secretary Debby Rayner said it was certainly "a different Anzac Day".
"With all the restrictions we did the best we could do"' she said.
"Wreaths were laid at both locations as well as the Boer War Memorial and at the Nowra War Cemetery."
Ms Rayner said the organisation was concerned people might still turn up at Greenwell Point for the annual dawn service, which usually attracts thousands of people.
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"We were worried that a large group might turn up, but it wasn't the case," she said.
"There were about 10 people and they all practised social distancing."
A special highlight this year at Nowra was the appearance of a lone piper, who marched from behind the memorial into Junction Street where he played Amazing Grace.
Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group chairman Rick Meehan praised Australia for the way it adapted and embraced the enforced changes to the way Anzac Day commemorations were staged
"COVID-19 certainly forced major changes to the way Anzac Day was commemorated," he said.
"The concept of Light Up The Dawn was brilliant. I stood on my driveway with my wife - we played Rachel Bastock's moving The Last Post rendition on violin.
"It was great to see the country as a whole embrace that initiative.
"And while I never want to see Anzac Day services and commemorations disappear, I believe this is something that might continue, especially for those people who are unable to attend dawn Anzac Day services for whatever reason.
"It was amazing where I was, and I've heard it happened in other areas as well, just as The Last Post started, kookaburras in the area, which at the time were going off, stopped and were quiet during its playing and the minute silence.
"I've heard it was same in a number of areas like North Nowra and Worrigee. It was like even the kookaburras knew it was a solemn occasion."
On behalf of Commonwealth War Graves, Mr Meehan also maintains the Nowra War Cemetery once a week, which is part of the Nowra General Cemetery.
"I timed my cleaning this week to coincide with Anzac Day so the 35 veterans buried there received a spruce up, and were given the respect and honour they deserve," he said.
Mr Meehan performed a private service and laid a wreath on behalf of the Keith Payne VC Veterans Group and later went and laid some rosemary for his late former mate Kane Vandenberg in the naval cemetery section.