Homemade lanterns to honour the Anzac spirit

Milk bottles have been recycled by dozens of people around Albany to create something special for this year’s unusual Anzac Day commemorations. With families forced to find a way to pay their respects from home, bottles have been crafted into Anzac lanterns. The idea has been shared over Facebook, giving people something to keep them busy in isolation all over the country. In Albany, it will form a special part of driveway at dawn tributes. Sue Bassett, who has attended Albany’s dawn service and march for the past 15 years, has jumped on the lantern movement. She said many people in her street had also joined in. “I liked the idea of still doing something for Anzac Day,” she said. “With COVID-19 we aren’t allowed to have large gatherings, so Anzac Day is going to look so different. I know of neighbours who will be getting up at 5.30am to be in the driveway for 5.55am to play the Last Post. “One neighbour has made enough of these lanterns to give one to everyone in the street. “I hope everyone gets up and in the true Aussie spirit, makes it to their driveway to honour our fallen diggers.” Ms Bassett asked McKails General Store to keep milk cartons for her and her neighbours. Neighbour Sheila Percy said making the lanterns had been emotional and educational for her family. “I thought it was important that we honour Anzac Day the best way we can,” she said. “I know the kids have enjoyed doing the lanterns so everyone in our street can be a part of it.” On another street on Saturday morning, Lisa Hart will be thinking of her late relative, Sapper David Colten, who was killed in action by an enemy mine at the age of 28 in November 1916. Ms Hart said Anzac Day meant a lot to her and she wanted to instil that respect in her children. Her daughters will draw a giant poppy on their driveway and make wreaths of rosemary. “They fought for us to give us the future we live today,” she said. “We need to pay respects to our soldiers, fallen and living. It’s a big thing and being in isolation we can do our own bit from home and still pay our respects. “I have also made it into a history lesson, having discussions with my girls about the history and what Anzac means to them.”