Australia Day
The night before the historic day, campfires were well alight
Burning with true blue flickering flames so bright
Creeping warmth spreading far and wide
Far beyond the camps with growing comfort, joy and easy stride
Came the dawn for a way of life we dared to dream of, and love
Our precious new born flag was soon to fly high above
Proud history in 1901, as our sacred cloth was raised on a January morn
Complete with starry, compass light of tribes long before our nation born
No matter seasons, our flag, often tattered and torn, stands high
Our people, shoulder to shoulder, with purpose and freedom never to die
Hail the nomad, drover’s wife, shearer, nurse, teacher, and who ever
From tall towers in city to the gunyahs and bark huts in the Never Never
Each generation is yet another page of proud history made
Salute the ghostly columns of the fallen standing so tall on parade
Raise your hat to all from yesteryears, who toiled and endured strife
Often with hunger, empty pockets, and Mother Nature’s tantrums of life
Go tell politicians with never ending reminders of who we are
Fair dinkum Aussies, loyal to our flag with its genes and Cross of Stars
A guide for leaders with vision and purpose to pursue national dreams
To aid us to be the most united and happiest nation, ever, ever seen
George Mansford
©December 2022
I recall in Korea, when our platoon travelled south to protect a railway terminal at Tuchon?
We were weary, filthy and hungry and looking forward to some comfort in established surrounds.
We had no officer or Sergeant.
On arrival, we were inspected by a British major who erupted with anger and informed us we were untidy colonial rabble.
I stepped forward and reminded him, we had cast England aside some 50 plus years ago and, thus, no longer colonials.
He screamed that I was to be returned to unit, and any others with similar views should step forward and join me.
The entire platoon joined me.
Soon we were humming a favourite tune – ‘The wild colonial boy.’
He left in rage and we were not returned to unit.
Such was the pride in our nation.
Australia Day 2023
Today, our proud history and precious social values are slowly being converted to shameful deeds by the Politically Correct and Woke Brigades.
One of their targets is the demise of our beloved Australia Day.
Let’s counter attack – roll up our sleeves and get involved. Be it the big street parades, cricket on the beach or backyard, the BBQ, picnics and sports to name but a few.
Let our many gatherings be a clear message to politicians – it is our day, the people’s day, and it’s not for sale.
It belongs to all Aussies – those now gone, we the living and countless generations yet to be born.
We seek tomorrow with pride, purpose, and all as one.
The question is; can we find the sound leadership so necessary to guide us into all those tomorrows? – to ensure we reclaim that powerful weapon of national unity and purpose, to identify national projects and roll up our sleeves and pursue them.
Simply put – let’s get off our arse or we really will go down under, to be a land of broken promises, empty pockets, despair, bickering and fragmentation.
Have a ripper of a time on the big day, cobbers, and with each national triumph, chant the words so very clear; “Aussie- Aussie- Aussie”.
By the way, if you feel as proud as me, then, when you hear that ripper of a song “WE ARE ONE”, join in and sing with loud voice.
Soon or late it will reach and echo, and echo throughout that big house in Canberra and all of DOWN UNDER.
Happy Australia Day, cobbers
George Mansford
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