West Australians who gathered in driveways, on balconies and at farm gates to commemorate Anzac Day performed "a sacred duty" to remember veterans, state governor Kim Beazley says.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Perth's dawn service and march attracted crowds totalling 40,000 last year, but COVID-19 prompted the first cancellation of all services since World War Two.
Instead, people stood at the front of their properties in quiet contemplation with lit and electronic candles on Saturday morning.
Outside his Menora retirement home, retired army Lance Corporal David Scott, one of five recipients of the 2020 Anzac of the Year Award, sounded The Last Post.
Mr Scott, who gave almost 40 years of service, applauded the driveway dawn service concept.
"I think it's a great idea - whoever came up with it needs a pat on the back because it's really helped to commemorate the Anzacs and everybody is still involved, which is what we want, especially for the young people," he told AAP.
"A lot of people can't get up to Kings Park or even to their suburban memorials so it's a fantastic idea."
Mr Scott, whose grandfather fought on the western front, said it was always a privilege to sound The Last Post.
"It's just a great opportunity to say thank you to those sort of people, people that have been before us and were prepared to put their life on the line for us," he said.
"I don't think we'd be here doing this today if they hadn't."
Dozens of residents of the retirement village, including several veterans, stood solemnly in the car park during the service as it drizzled.
Around Perth, candles continued burning in driveways after the sun rose, many surrounded by homemade scarlet poppies.
Mr Beazley said those who marked the day continued to deliver Australia's promise after World War One to never forget.
"It's terrible that we're struck with this pandemic but I am full of admiration for the determination of people in Western Australia who are prepared to come out, stand and still make that statement of commitment," he told a special ABC broadcast.
Premier Mark McGowan said physical attendance at Anzac Day services was a demonstration of gratitude, appreciation and respect but "we will still give them our attention and our reflection".
"Anzac Day is more than the dawn service, more than the parade, more than the game of two-up after the clock hits 12," Mr McGowan said in a pre-recorded message on the Returned and Service League WA website.
"The memory, the remembering, that is what's important."
Australian Associated Press
