Yesterday, we celebrated.
Millions of people around our country started up their barbecues and joined family and friends in honour of Australia Day. People everywhere had a wonderful time as we told jokes, ate food and remembered what that day means for us.
Right across the nation, people stuck flags on their cars, threw lamb chops on the barbie and ate till they were sick. Some watched cricket, others headed to the beaches. But they all had one thing in common.
A love of Australia. And a good time.
On the 26th January, 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip landed in Sydney Cove. The raising of the Union Jack symbolised British occupation of this country.
It wasn’t until 1826, however, that Governor Macquarie proposed our country should be called ‘Australia.’
So in honour of yesterday and because I can’t get the tune out of my head...here’s our National Anthem.
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.
So, tell me. How did you celebrate Australia Day?
My husband has been watching the Australian Open tennis. We got a kick out of the elaborate face painting on Australia Day. Those are SOME enthusiasts!
ReplyDeleteSadly, by breaking my glasses for the fourth time in 2.5 years. Not much celebration! Glad you had a good one.
ReplyDeleteSorry, we didn't. I've never heard of Australia Day. But thanks for sharing. It sounds very like a S.African celebration, only we'd call your barbeque a braai.
ReplyDeleteI went for a walk and DIDN'T get rained on. Does that count?
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting the words to your anthem. Like much of the world, I suspect, I only associate Australia with "Waltzing Matilda":)
Here in Sydney we watched both the Australian Open Tennis and the one day cricket match between Australia and Pakistan at the same time! When I was little, my grandfather, whose birthday was on Australia Day, used to tell us the public holiday was for his birthday!
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