One of Australia's highest profile war veterans says the inability to commemorate Anzac Day as a community makes him realise he has previously taken the day for granted — something he never wants to do again.
Former Currumbin RSL president Ron Workman was the master of ceremonies at the Elephant Rock dawn service for 25 years.
The service attracted about 20,000 people and was broadcast nationally on commercial television.
Mr Workman said not having it this year, due to coronavirus restrictions, had made him quite emotional.
"This year's circumstance leaves me feeling like we used to take Anzac Day somewhat for granted," he said.
"Now that it's been taken away from us to commemorate in a group, it makes me feel that I'll never do that again, and I hope no-one else does.
"This year, the Roll of Honour holds a couple of names that were amongst my best friends, and that's particularly hard because I won't be able to celebrate their lives in the usual fashion — with mutual friends and comrades."
Singer John Williamson was a regular at the Currumbin dawn service and traditionally ended proceedings with a performance of his song True Blue.
The singer, from nearby Springbrook in the Gold Coast hinterland, said the Elephant Rock service was special.
"It really does give the feeling of the sun coming up at Gallipoli itself.
"I've got mates who are Vietnam vets, they always take part in it and it means a lot to them.
"I have done quite a few Anzac services over the years, including Alice Springs and all sorts of places, but I think it's the one at Currumbin ... we'll miss it."
The traditional dawn service may have been cancelled, but the Currumbin RSL said it would host an online service with the Roll of Honour, the Last Post and bagpipe lament.
"As soon as we were advised that RSLs were not going to be able to do their commemorative services for Anzac Day we launched into action," the branch's community relationships manager Kerry Shepherd said.
"The service at Elephant Rock is so iconic and people love it and it's a highlight of their year.
"If we are able to use social media to its best advantage ... many people around the world are able to watch this now.
The pre-recorded service that will also include a message by John Williamson will be posted on the ABC Gold Coast and Currumbin RSL's facebook pages at 11:00am (AEST).
