The Anzac spirit shines in a crisis, writes SENATOR JIM MOLAN

THE coronavirus has made a huge impact on us all in 2020, and Anzac Day is no exception.

This was an Anzac Day like no other in living memory. Anzac Day has always brought together two different instincts. On the one hand, especially for a former member of the Defence Force, it is a day to spend surrounded by others. Together we swap stories and reminisce about old mates, including those who are no longer with us. But it is also a day for personal reflection and contemplation. It is the day in which we practise silent rituals of remembrance, quietly thinking of the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before us.

Anzac Day this year was far from usual. I have commemorated Anzac Day in many places over the years: in frosty Canberra at the War Memorial as an officer cadet, at the Kokoda Track in New Guinea, at various bases and barracks around Australia, in Baghdad, in Jakarta, at my local RSL in Queanbeyan, and last year at the Rocks during the election campaign. But when 2020 began I never anticipated that I would be observing Anzac Day at home.

The idea of staying home for Anzac Day feels jarring for me, as I am sure it did for many other Australians. Because it is a day we usually spend with others, whether at Dawn Services, marches, or other ceremonies.

A social media campaign, even one as inspiring as #AnzacAtHome, can never replace what we are all used to.

It is a good reminder of the Anzac spirit of overcoming adversity, and making the best of a bad situation.

We were all caught by surprise by the coming of coronavirus this year.

But Australia has overcome bigger challenges before. Though there is still a way to go yet, we will overcome this one as well.

Senator Jim Molan is a retired Major-General