They
explained that the extreme sacrifices made during WW2 had prepared them for the
difficulties we are now facing with the coronavirus pandemic and social
lockdown.
And there
are many similarities – a formidable opponent, untimely deaths, community fear,
mobilising resources to fight the enemy, a focus on leadership, a general
re-assessment of life’s priorities, and the list goes on.
Community
attitudes are certainly facing some tough tests. And perhaps a significant
element is the call for social responsibility. The early days of the pandemic
showed some of the worst of human nature with widespread avoidance of rules
designed to counter the impact of Covid19.
One street
interview that received a lot of play involved a young café owner in Melbourne
stating he was ignoring calls for restrictions because “this was just an old
person’s illness”. Governmental and community attitudes (bolstered by police
action) have since swung in favour of “this is a war we all need to fight.”
Victoria’s strong reaction to the “second wave” and general community adherence
to the Stage 4 lockdown rules is evidence of that. We don’t quite have the
public cohesion that existed in WW2 but we are getting there.
There are
other similarities with WW2. The army has been called in to assist although the
frontline on this occasion is more likely to be health staff. The role
performed by doctors, nurses, indeed all associated with health has received
widespread admiration. And ironically, their most at-risk patients are likely
to be war veterans.
One of our
veterans tells us his family has been sending food parcels to him in his aged
care facility, and it reminded him of how families would often send food to
their serving sons, daughters, and siblings overseas during WW2. Forced separation
from families is not new to veterans.
Covid19 and
WW2 are quite different scenarios and this article does not attempt to fully analyse
the relationship. But, if you come across some older Australians who seem to be
handling the situation quite well, there is a reason – they have been here
before.
15/8/2020
