The Vetters in Oz: Australia Day

This is the joy-inspiring day
That gave these blessings to our lot
Then let us share the social rites
Join hands, all malice be forgot!
This little star, once marked by none
Now shines a bright - a BLAZING SUN!

-- by Charles Tompson, reputed to be Australia’s first native-born poet and the son of a transportee (prisoner brought here from England). Composed for “Foundation Day” (later renamed Australia Day) January 26, 1824

The enthusiasm I found lacking in Perth at Christmas time was more than made up for this past Tuesday, January 26th. That’s Australia Day, which marks the date on which the first ship carrying English settlers landed on this country’s shores. On that day in 1788 Captain Arthur Phillip arrived and claimed the Colony of New South Wales on behalf of England. These first settlers were mostly prisoners, sent here for everything from murder to disagreeing with the King, to do jail time and remain in exile. It seems that the bondage, far from breaking their spirit, caused them to become strong and fiercely proud. Not surprising really – conditions were so harsh that only the toughest ones survived, and when their prison sentences were over they stayed here, worked the land and thrived. By the way, if you’ve ever heard an Australian refer to an English person as a “Pom” or “Pommy Bastard”, they’re using the acronym for Prisoner Of his Majesty or Prisoner Of Mother England.

I’m pretty sure the average Australian was not thinking about this last week. It was a perfect summer day, with bright sunshine and cooling afternoon breezes. In the morning, there was a swearing-in ceremony for Perth residents who are becoming Australian citizens this year. Afterward, the park opened up for Family Day, with the usual moonwalk, ballo0ns, sausages on a stick, etc. The city of Perth sponsored a “Skyworks” extravaganza beginning with various airborne messages towed by airplanes, followed by acrobatic stunt flying. After sunset we were treated to a spectacular fireworks performance. Because our flat directly overlooks the Swan River and hence the fireworks site, everyone who knows where we live wanted to be invited to spend the day with us. Building management had a strict limit of only 8 guests per unit, so we were forced to be selective with our invitations. My apologies to those we could not include… We watched the sky performances from the shaded comfort of our 8th storey balcony. About 250,000 people attended the fireworks show this year, and at least half of them seemed to be on the grass in front of our apartment building. Our strategy was to serve dinner al fresco after the fireworks, and enjoy a meal while the traffic cleared.

In the southern hemisphere, schoolchildren have been enjoying their summer holidays but they will return to school next week. I’ve been seeing back-to-school signs everywhere lately. Interestingly, although the average Australian does not worship in a church or even profess any kind of faith, about half of the children attend religious schools because of the superior standard of education. There is a cross-town rivalry between several crew teams, and we have been watching them practice on the river for about a week now.
Only 8 more weeks until we are in Houston. Looking forward to seeing everyone again. Let us know how all y’all are doing!

Meanwhile, here are some pictures from Australia Day.

We took a walk around the park to check out the preparations and take photos

Showing patriotism by hanging flags from the balcony

Earlybirds arrive about 8:00am to claim the best spots for viewing the air show and fireworks display.

We took our morning walk a bit later so we could check out all the festivities at the park. Here's the family section, called "Kidzone."

Family zone. Love the signs.

You always spruce things up when company is coming. They planted fresh flowers here the day before! Note: Sir James Mitchell is a former Governer of Western Australia. Read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Mitchell_(Australian_politician)

Picnicking in the park, with a few univited guests ;-D

Preparing for the Naturalization Ceremony

Vince takes time out for a call to Greg

Still quiet, and essentials in place. Newspaper, hat, bug spray, Esky (ice chest), shelter...

Enjoying some sailing before the show begins

More folks arrive to claim good spots for the fireworks show.

There has been trouble in years past with drunk people becoming nuisances and hurting themselves and others. This year there was a strict ban on alcohol. A team of police patrolled the river bank to enforce the ban. There was plenty of controversy surrounding this, but it was a peaceful evening without any problems.

This is a joke waiting to be told. Care to submit a caption?

The fun begins with a jetski parade on the Swan River, near The Narrows bridge.

A helicpopter pulls an enormous flag across the city, amid shouts of "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Oy! Oy! Oy!" (I think Australian babies must learn this in the womb.)