WHILE this coming Monday (25 April) serves as a public holiday for all Australians, it also serves as the opportunity for them to commemorate the sacrifices of past and present service men and women.

RSL NSW President Ray James said ANZAC has evolved beyond commemorating only the sacrifices of the Australian soldiers who gave their lives in Gallipoli over a century ago and is instead about commemorating all significant moments in Australia's military history.

“As the custodians of the ANZAC spirit, RSL NSW and its sub-Branches work tirelessly to ensure that people honour the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served their country in all conflicts," Mr James said.

2022 marks several military milestones, including the first anniversary of Australia’s withdrawal from Afghanistan and the end of Australian’s large-scale military commitment to the Middle East since 1991, the 50th Anniversary of the withdrawal of the Australian Task Force from Vietnam, and the 80th anniversary of significant WWII battles to the north of Australia.

Mr James said that the NSW RSL is committed to ensuring that people have access to a range of options to commemorate ANZAC Day.

“ANZAC Day has always belonged to the Australian people and that was evident last two years when millions of people took to their driveways during the COVID-19 pandemic to personally commemorate veterans by lighting up the dawn,” Mr James said.

“I encourage the people of NSW to stay safe, and keep our vulnerable veterans safe, by commemorating locally this ANZAC Day.”

In some towns unaffiliated groups, or even just a handful of volunteers, take responsibility for organising local ceremonies to mark ANZAC Day in their town, but wherever you are there is likely to be a commemoration nearby.

Check out our list of 2022 ANZAC Day Services showing the time and location of these services in your shire.