’Give and not take’: Digger’s message for Australians during coronavirus pandemic
With coronavirus forcing the cancellation of meaningful Anzac Day commemorations, two WWII veterans have shared how they’ll be marking the important occasion and revealed what Aussies can learn from the current crisis gripping the world.
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Two World War II veterans believe Australians shouldn’t lose sight of the simple things as they confront the challenges caused by coronavirus.
“They should be prepared to make sacrifices to hold onto things they hold dear to themselves. Nothing comes easy in life, you have to pay for it most of the time, and not necessarily with money,” said George Raphael, who served in the Royal Australian Navy in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Like the rest of Australia, Mr Raphael will be commemorating Anzac Day much differently this year.
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But when he comes to reflect on service, of the mates he made, and then lost, and how their service altered their lives, he will also take time to think about what the chaos around Australia today can teach us.
He has a simple message. “Just be prepared to give and not take. I was always taught to value family — it’s important to show appreciation for your family.”
The 94-year-old said there was much to be grateful for — and that meant Anzac Day this year was in many ways the same as it always has been.
“The fact we live in a country with so many freedoms, that’s the important thing, that is what we went away to fight for — to preserve the way of life we built up in this country.”
Phoebe Parker agrees. The 100-year-old was looking forward to marching on Anzac Day, like she does each year, but even though COVID-19 has prevented that, her mind will still be on what drove her to serve in the Signals Corps in 1943.
“This might make people think more of things we have and be more grateful. Just to remember what they went through — first world war and the second and then during Vietnam — and be happy and thankful we have such a good country to live in.”
The Frankston RSL member can recall queues and shortages during the war.
“You had to have coupons then to buy things because we didn’t have cash. I can remember my husband having to go buy me something and him having to line up and wait to get in.”
Which is not to say the present day struggles are a walk in the park.
“In some ways it’s a harder time now. I’m finding I miss going to the RSL to see my friends.”
Mrs Parker turns 101 in September and hopes to march on Anzac Day again, alongside her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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When the coronavirus first began to cause chaos worldwide RSL boss Jamie Twidale was determined about one thing.
Anzac Day would not be forgotten.
“Right from the beginning we made the decision way back on March 16, and that feels like a lifetime ago, that we would cancel public services, marches and ceremonies to protect public safety — but also to protect Anzac Day,” the Victoria RSL chief executive told the Sunday Herald Sun.
“We are going to commemorate this, we will just do it differently.”
Mr Twidale wants Victorians instead to take to their driveways or balconies at 6am on Anzac Day.
“The key message is to stay at home, but at 6am in the morning on the driveway or your balcony, wave to the neighbours and stream the live service and observe a minute’s silence to reflect on what Anzac Day is all about.”
For many Australians, Anzac Day has become a magnet drawing people together.
“Because we can’t this year I think it’s a chance to focus on that Anzac Day spirit, mateship, courage, camaraderie and to think about those who have come before us and those who are still serving today,” he said.
Mr Twidale said feedback on the idea of driveway dawn ceremonies had been “huge”.
“The idea for the driveway service happened pretty much spontaneously across Australia within 24 hours of each other,” he said.
Mr Twidale said that at this time of year, RSL volunteers would normally be on streets selling Anzac badges.
“We won’t be doing that this year, but people can still donate online at anzacappeal.com.au, or you can still buy a badge at Woolworths,” he said.
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