What Is Australia Day?

I would like to invite you all to help me celebrate the birthday of our country Australia which we think is the most livable and beautiful country in the whole world. Not biased or anything, just stating a fact, as we see it. :)

OK big deal I hear some of you ask, and that is your right.

So just stop there for one minute and think about this.

Australia is one of the so called "free" countries left in the world that you can actually still express an opinion openly and not get thrown into jail.

I think the first two lines of our National Anthem pretty well sums it up:-

Australians all let us rejoice,

For we are young and free

I consider it an Honour and a privilege to be an Aussie and I'm mighty proud of my country. Check out some things that make me so proud at the Australian Governments "It's an Honour Website"

But enough of that Australia Day is a happy and exciting day (in my opinion it should be) for all Australians, where we all get together and celebrate our wonderful country as one. I would like to let you know a few things about us!

We as Australians are very proud of our National Anthem and stand proud whenever it is sung at the Olympic Games, National Events,Sporting events, School Assembly, to welcome our soldiers home from service overseas, really, anytime it is played it is emotional and plays at your heartstrings.

Pride and Honor.

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM
Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are young and free;
We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in nature’s gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In history’s page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
We’ll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands;
For those who’ve come across the seas
We’ve boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.

On Australia Day every year we award special Australians awards for being outstanding citizens. It is also a day when we welcome new folks to our country by way of a naturalization ceremony, that is also a very special and emotional time for all our new residents. I have made a list of the major awards:-

Australian of the Year......................Professor Michael Dodson AM

Senior Australian of the Year...........Pat LaManna OAM

Junior Australian of the Year............Jonty Bush

Australia's Local Hero......................Graeme Drew

Prof. Michael Dodson who has been described as courageous and humble Aboriginal leader has fought long and hard for the welfare of his people.

Mick was born itn the Kimberley area, which is on the coast of Western Australia JUST north of Perth.

In his own words Mick calls himself a "persistent bugger" . He doesn't shy away from difficult questions or issues. As Co-Chair of Reconciliation Australia, Mick's dream is to achieve reconciliation in this country, and a better future for his people. An outstanding Australian, Mick represents integrity, wisdom and compassion. A broader out line of the awards can be viewed at the National Ausralia Day Council Website.

I would like to present my thoughts on the events of the last twelve months as they do effect my family, friends , fellow Australians and myself, Then again they may not affect some as much as others.

In no particular order, just off the top of my head, and I would invite comment from anyone who feels that I have made an error or ommission.

1. Australia's ruling Labour Party is spending money that they do not seem to have,That is nothing new,as it seems to happen each time that they regain power, but it is a grave concern to us . Although I was happy with the hand out to the Pensioners before Christmas last year. It would seem that Mr Rudd has finally decided that it is time to look at the problems Australia faces rather than trying to fix the whole world.
2. It may not have a direct effect on us but I am convinced that America made correct choice in electing Mr Obama. Only time will tell?
3. It concerns me deeply that people moving to Australia from other countries are bringing the trouble and tribulations that they were trying to get away from, placing my families welfare in danger.
4. The reconciliation process in Australia is progressing and will go ahead in leaps and bounds with Mick Dodson's appointment.
5. My two Grandchildren are another year older and looking more beautiful by the day.
6. I joined HubPages and I am greatly enjoying the experiences of meeting people from different countries and walks of life.
7. Last but not least, I am still married to the loveliest lady in the world. (God know how she puts up with me.)