Despite social distancing restrictions forcing the cancellation of traditional services and parades, residents still found ways to thank our servicemen and women past and present.

OUR SAY

It was cold and foggy as dawn broke across Wagga on Saturday morning.

But that didn't stop thousands of people waking just before sunrise to commemorate Anzac Day 2020 - a day like no other and one none of us will forget.

While different because we couldn't gather in large numbers at dawn services or line the streets for marches, one thing remained unchanged.

We weren't going to forget the sacrifices made by so many.

People stood at the end of their driveways - not just in suburbs across Wagga, but in towns and cities right across the Riverina.

About 6am, the sound of the Ode being recited and the playing of the Last Post echoed through the crisp air.

Candles flickered. Some were held in hands, others placed on letterboxes or the roadside.

We stopped to remember all service personnel in all wars and peacekeeping operations.

However, as RSL NSW acting state president Ray James reminded us in his Anzac Day message, our Australian Defence Force is still involved in various operations across the world.

Earlier this year, ADF members even served during the bushfires that ravaged our region and state.

"Now with the COVID-19 pandemic our defence force members have stood up to serve alongside the health workers, the doctors, nurses, paramedics and our police," Mr James said.

While many veterans were saddened that Anzac Day services could not be held as normal, Mr James said he was proud of how they understood what needed to be done.

While we were physically apart, we still came together.

We couldn't stand beside our veterans but we certainly stood with them, and Bourkelands resident Joshua Paul summed up the feeling.

"Even though the pandemic has stopped us coming together, it hasn't stopped us showing respect to all the servicemen and women, which should never be forgotten," Mr Paul said.

We will always remember them. We will also never forget Anzac Day 2020.

As Mr James said, the Anzac spirit is one that should flow through all of us.

"It is one of courage and mateship. It is one that shows us that we need to look after everyone and each other," he said.

"It is what is helping our nation to fight this pandemic."