One of Australia's solemn (well, as much as Australians can manage) days of remembrance occurs this weekend. Here in Canberra, it is likely to be a rainy one! The Dawn Services will be happening across Australia and elsewhere, and whether or not you intend to attend a service, it seems timely to recall a few points of ANZAC Day etiquette and advice for Aussies and visitors to our beautiful land.

• If you are attending a Dawn Service in the rain, naturally you will want to dress sensibly and carry an umbrella. However please remember that this is a very solemn and important moment, so make an effort to dress nicely and modestly for the occasion. Leave your nasty old sneakers at home (they're dreadful in the wet anyway) and wear properly maintained leather shoes. Wear a hat. Gentlemen, the Akubra would seem fitting. Ladies, felt is best on a rainy day, and add a brim to prevent your face from becoming too wet. Happily, fashion is all over the waterproof macintosh or trench coat at present. A tailored raincoat would seem ideal.
• Gentlemen may never wear a hat in an RSL: remove it before you enter (or be prepared to purchase drinks for all!) Ladies may often still wear a neat little hat indoors, but check the dress code at the door before you enter. Your wide-brimmed outdoors hat is never appropriate.
• Gentlemen, it is appropriate to remove your hat for the Last Post. A little rain at this point will not melt you. Ladies, in these modern times it is polite to do the same unless the hat in question is a little confection that has been carefully pinned into place. Stand, naturally. Be hushed and solemn. Listen, think and remember.
• If you wish to carouse later in the day and you should find yourself in an RSL or in the presence of servicemen and women, it would be polite to offer a friendly nod or other respectful greeting. Yes you may offer to buy the old diggger at the bar a drink, but please don't push it on him or be offended if he says no. He may prefer tea or lemon squash! Or simply to be left alone by strangers.
• It is an Australian tradition to celebrate at the club or bar after the memorial services are over. This is not the day to overdo the booze, be rude to staff or other patrons - or, ever, to drive after imbibing. Get a taxi, or walk (take your umbrella), and leave before you imbibe too much. Tip the bartenders, too. They will be working very, very hard!
• We wish that all Australians would take the opportunity this year to do some good old remembrance of your own. Remember that this day does not glorify war - quite the opposite, if you think about it. We are simply remembering our fallen and those who suffered in war times.
• Perhaps this year we could all spare a proud and loving thought for our Indigenous Diggers, who truly fought for the land they belong to, and who were so often forgotten both during and after the wars. Some of the most resilient people on earth, we are most proud of them all and honoured by their sacrifice.
• Another thought might go to the women of Australia and the world, who have always worked, served, kept up the home front, and suffered.
• ANZAC biscuits are an appropriate and easy recipe to bake, and this Autumnal weather is ideal. We all have our own recipes, so on this occasion I shall leave all Australian bakers to enjoy their own versions: coconut or no coconut? Fruit or no fruit? It hardly matters: the only thing to remember is the importance of rolled oats and golden syrup! Mmmmmm chewy crispy lovely biscuits ...
• Finally, let's all be proud of being Australian WITHOUT being overly demonstrative about it. If you care to by all means wear a discreet flag pinned to your lapel. A large flag flying from your car will obscure your vision and be very offputting to others. Flags painted on your face make it look as though you are attending a sporting match. Flag tshirts looked better on Mr Brooke Taylor. Please remember that ANZAC Day is an opportunity for us to remember and enjoy our lovely country without being all 'woo-woo' about it!

Yours charmingly,

Darla and Blossom