Modern day heroes to honour those of generations past on an Anzac Day unlike any other

ANZAC Day commemorations this year will be like none Australians have ever seen before, with the coronavirus pandemic shutting down official ceremonies. But our modern-day heroes will still be honouring their wartime counterparts.

St John paramedics Samantha Cooper and Warren Purse have previously served with the ADF but are currently frontline workers in the battle against a new enemy. They say they will still make time to honour Anzac Day this year. Picture: Che Chorley

ANZAC Day commemorations this year will be like none Australians have ever seen before, with the coronavirus pandemic shutting down official ceremonies.

But modern-day heroes will still honour their wartime counterparts, serving the global frontline and protecting Territorians from a new enemy.

St John Ambulance duty manager Samantha Cooper spent eight years with the Australian Defence Force, serving as a truck driver in East Timor, and said despite the unique circumstances of this year’s commemorations, it was important for Australians to make sure they honoured yesterday’s heroes properly.

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“Given the current climate with the pandemic, it’s important to remember that while we are dealing with a different war so to speak in terms of health, it’s important to take the time out now to remember the fallen soldiers that fought for a different reason,” she said.

“It’s important to take a minute to reflect on what was and what could be and how it affects us from now and into the future.”

St John paramedics Samantha Cooper and Warren Purse. Picture: Che Chorley

Ms Cooper said working Anzac Day as a return servicewoman was always special and despite the chaos of the pandemic she would find time to remember those who had gone before her.

“ … no matter what I’m doing at the time I still get the chills and I still tear up at The Last Post,” she said.

Intensive Care paramedic Warren Purse served for 20 years as a medic with the ADF, spending time in Cambodia, and said while working as a paramedic was more intense, Anzac Day always gave him the opportunity to remember his comrades.

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“It’s not my day, it’s for the people that aren’t here that I was on operations with … the guys that are still serving and the guys that aren’t around anymore,” he said.

Our frontline workers are busier than ever but like all across the country, they, too, will stop and remember on Anzac Day.