ANZAC DAY ‘MUST REMAIN A SOLEMN DAY OF REMEMBRANCE’.
Local MP Philip Ruddock has added his voice to the chorus of those seeking to ensure that Anzac Day remains a ‘solemn day of remembrance.’
‘Most Australians were shocked when news that a large national retailer, Kmart, was seeking approval to open before 1 pm on Anzac Day.’
‘Anzac Day is a day of national significance where we pay our respects to the tens of thousands of Australians who have fought and died for this land.’
Mr Ruddock said that he felt ‘closing for the morning of April 25th is the least the country’s businesses could do to pay their respect to our nation’s lost heroes and courageous returned servicemen and women.’
Mr Ruddock said the Coalition did not support a relaxation of restrictions on opening hours for Anzac Day.
‘With Anzac Day falling on a Sunday this year, and especially as it is the 95th anniversary, I hope people would choose to attend a local ceremony to show their respect.’
‘Locally, Hornsby is the site of a very significant Anzac Day ceremony, as well as a major Kmart store. I know where I would prefer to see people congregating on Anzac Day morning.’