No dawn service, no former war veterans proudly marching to the Maitland Park cenotaph, no grandchildren swelling with pride as they wear Pop's medals.

And two-up? Hardly social distancing.

And if that's not enough, the pubs are closed. An Anzac Day like no other.

But Maitland RSL Sub Branch secretary Graham Solomons is still keen for people to show their respects to the fallen and former service men and women with an early morning pledge of their own.

Mr Solomons, who spent 21 years in the airforce, will get up early and stand at his Aberglasslyn front gate to coincide with the Last Post being played in Canberra at the Australian War Memorial.

"I'm not sure if I'll wear my medals or not - but I think I probably will - and I'll be standing at the front gate," he said. "And I'd urge other people who want to mark the occasion to do the same.

"It's about remembering the sacrifices our Defence Forces have made to make Australia the country it is today.

"Anzac Day has become such a wonderful tradition, but due to coronavirus it won't happen this year.

"But I think just getting up, making your way to your front gate to coincide with the Last Post, then spending a minute or two in silent reflection ... I think that would be a really good way of showing your support."

Mr Solomons was speaking after all Anzac Day ceremonies around Australia had been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He put out a call on his Maitland RSL Sub Branch facebook page this week.

Mr Solomons remembers a time when Anzac Day was not remembered with anywhere near the same reverence as it is today.

"My dad was a World War II vet and when I was a boy I'd watch him get dressed into his suit each Anzac day morning, put on his medals and head out the door," he recalled. "We wouldn't see him until late in the day - not always in the best shape to be honest - but still in his suit and with his medals.

"I didn't understand the significance of it - and I think the reason for that is that we weren't taught about it in school.

"The kids learn about it now. I don't remember being taught about Anzac Day and the great sacrifices at places like Gallipoli. But thankfully that has changed these days and that's a good thing. School children should learn about these things.

"But if you'd have asked me back then if I could ever remember Anzac Day claiming such a significant place on the national calendar, I would have said no way."