My Country

by Dale Harcombe | More from this Blogger

25 Jan 2008 10:23 PM

Today, January 26th as it is already in our part of the world under the Southern Cross, is Australia Day. Our branch of the Sing Australia choir sang at Australia Day celebrations at Sussex Inlet.

One the whole Aussies are a laid-back bunch and not given to huge displays of patriotism unless it's Davis Cup or some other sporting event, although across the road in our neighbor's yard is an Australian flag which flies all year round. Others only take to sporting a flag on this special day.

But this is Australia Day, more than just a public holiday, it is a day to celebrate being Australian, and to welcome those who have come from other lands and now want to commit to Australia and her people. As I listened to many of those from other lands initially promising, under God, to show their loyalty to this country and her people and uphold the laws of this land, I felt proud to be part of it.

As well as singing the national anthem, Advance Australia Fair, we sang a number of other songs including Australia for me From the Outback to the Ocean I am Australian, I Still Call Australia Home My Country (from the poem by Dorothea Mackellar. When I went to school, all school children learned this poem. I don't know if they still do. Waltzing Matilda is another song from a poem by AB( Banjo) Paterson - one of Australia's famous bush poets

As we sang these and other Australian songs felt goosebumps. I realized anew, how thankful I am to have been born in Australia.

In 2001 we went over to France, Austria, Italy, UK and while I loved some of those places and thought they were beautiful, when the plane flew in over Sydney Harbour tears welled up in my eyes. I was home and had never seen anything as beautiful.

But I'm sure even that experience will pale into insignificance, when one day when I reach my final home with the Lord. Hopefully in the meantime I will be an ambassador for him as well as for this land of my birth.

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Learn more about Dale Harcombe

Dale has a passion for books and writing. She writes in various forms, from articles to poetry to fiction for children and adults.

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