Happy Australia Day to all of our Aussie readers. So what's on the agenda for today? Are you taking it easy and having a nice quiet one at home? Are you attending any special Australia Day Events? Maybe a game of back yard cricket and a BBQ is on the books! However you're spending your day - have a good one :)
What is Australia Day?
On Australia Day we came together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian. It's the day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation. It's the day for us to re-commit to making Australia an even better place for the future.
On January 26, 1788 Captain Aurthur Phillip took formal possession of the colony of New South Wales and became it's first Governor. The fledging colony soon began to celebrate the anniversary of this date. Manning Clarke notes that in 1808 the "anniversary of the foundation of the colony" was observed in the traditional manner with "drinking and merriment".
This is one of my favourite photos - it's of me and my friend Allyson at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne with "The G" in the background. I'm a proud Aussie and not scared to show it, but this would have to be one of my proudest moments! I felt so privileged to be there cheering on my country - and cheer I certainly did! My hands were sore from clapping and my throat sore from cheering - the whole MCG was buzzing with excitement and anticipation.
The thing that makes me most proud is how us Aussies really get behind and support the underdogs. I remember one event in particular that took place right behind us on the hallowed turf of the MCG. The men's marathon had just begun and all the runners had completed a few laps inside the stadium before heading out on the grueling road leg of the race. As all the runners left the MCG through the tunnel, one runner was already hopelessly behind the pack - it was Duncan Errol from St. Helena. As was typical of the Aussie spirit, everyone cheered him on and kept him going - I was filled with emotion watching this unfold before my eyes and it made me so proud.
A few hours later the runners began entering the stadium again for their final sprint to the finish line - it was a proud moment with Aussies coming fourth and fifth in the event. However, just when we thought it was all over, Duncan Errol entered the stadium - he was over half an hour behind the last runner to enter the stadium and in last position. Upon seeing him enter the stadium, the crowd went wild and cheered and clapped him all the way to the finish line. No he didn't win the event, but he gave it his best and didn't give up, but everyone made sure he went home feeling proud of himself and what he'd achieved.
It was such a special moment - one that fills me with emotion whenever I think about it (yes I've got a tear in my eye as I recall it even now!) I'm proud to call this beautiful country my home.
Do you have a special moment of pride that you want to share about your country? Tell us all about it by leaving a comment on this post and I'll enter you all into the draw for a special Australia Day RAK. I'll draw the winner next Wednesday.
So have a good one today - if you want to see what special events are happening in your neck of the woods, check out the official government website here.
Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi
Cheers Paula
Australians all let us rejoice, for we are young and free! With golden soil and wealth for toil, our home is girt by sea. Our land abounds in natures gifts of beauty rich and rare! In historys page let every stage ADVANCE AUSTRALIA FAIR! In joyful strains then let us sing, ADVANCE AUSTRALIA FAIR!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy Ocker Day!
Posted by: Nic #1033 | January 26, 2008 at 10:36 AM
OI ! OI! OI!
Posted by: Lyn Dwyer | January 26, 2008 at 10:45 AM
I attended the Fiskateer round-up in San Antonio Texas this past November. Heidi Grace told us about her husband who is a soldier coming home from the war. It happened the same day as CHA and everyone there started singing the national anthem to him (I hope I'm telling this right). As she told the story I was crying because of how proud I am of all of the American husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers who are fighting not only for our freedom but the freedom of others. I am really proud to be an American!! (But, I would love to visit Australia someday! Happy Australia Day!!)
Posted by: Jen B #258 | January 26, 2008 at 04:34 PM
We will happily adopt you too Jen! Yes.....I think you have the story correct from what others have told me.
Posted by: Lyn Dwyer | January 26, 2008 at 04:59 PM
I forgot my proud moment! LAst Tuesday I took my 3 children to the Square in the city. We watched the funeral and procession of Sir Edmund Hilary on the big screen they had provided by the cathedral. At one point, they showed footage of Sir Ed and spontaneously the crowd began to sing God Defend New Zealand - firstly the Maori, then the English. Moved us all to tears and made us very proud to be kiwis!
Posted by: Nic #1033 | January 26, 2008 at 06:09 PM
We celebrate Canada Day (July 1st) much the same way. It's a day we all don the red & white and show how proud we are to be Canadians. In my town this is a huge event. The day starts with early morning soap box derby for the kids, a boat parade and race (the fish tugs participate in this), then the parade (usually an hour long), lots of good food, fun, laughter and the evening ends with the band tatoo (marching bands compete) and fireworks. I am proud to be a Canadian and to live in a town that provides us with such a wonderful way to celebrate this pride.
Posted by: doverdi | January 26, 2008 at 10:33 PM
for the past three years our mustang club has taken the cars for display at the local Aust Day event. ... every year i never cease to be amazed by the 'aussie spirit' of those attending - most everyone wears an aussie shirt, or pants or both !!! they have hats, flags and everything red while and blue or green and gold to show their support. It makes me proud to be part of such a great event and i love celebrating Australia Day like that
Posted by: Kathryn s | January 27, 2008 at 01:04 AM
I am an immigrant NZer and nothing makes me prouder than to sing:
God of nations! at Thy feet
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our Free Land.
Guard Pacific's triple star,
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend New Zealand
as loudly as I can. And I know all the words too which is more than some people around here do. Yes I'm proud to call myself a Kiwi and I chose to be one - it wasn't an accident of birth
Posted by: Jenny E | January 27, 2008 at 07:37 PM