They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Laurence Binyon
Woodie said:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.Laurence Binyon
We will remember them
Especially at this crappy time in history.
Brindabellas said:
Woodie said:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.Laurence Binyon
We will remember them
Especially at this crappy time in history.
Absolutely!
The car wouldn’t start so I couldn’t go to the Dawn service.
Sitting on the verandah, having a respectful moment.
Heard the jet flyover, didn’t see it through the trees though.
ms spock said:
The car wouldn’t start so I couldn’t go to the Dawn service.Sitting on the verandah, having a respectful moment.
Watched the dawn service on TV. Paid my respects.
Since oil is the price of war, I am not driving anywhere today.
https://www.google.com/search?q=nervis+egan+song&oq=nervis+egan+song&gs_lcrp=EgRlZGdlKgYIABBFGDkyBggAEEUYOdIBCTEyMzQ3ajBqNKgCALACAQ&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:56aecb3e,vid:c02uRz40Hh8,st:0
The pilots may be gone but some of the planes are still flying.
I remember back about twenty years ago the very last WW1 veteran passed away. I’d say that in the next few years the last WW2 veteran will also leave this world.
RAAF Anzac Day Flyovers, QLD.
Michael V said:
RAAF Anzac Day Flyovers, QLD.
I heard one earlier, thought it was from Everton Park as I know there’s a service there, but it’s not on the list.
Divine Angel said:
Michael V said:
RAAF Anzac Day Flyovers, QLD.I heard one earlier, thought it was from Everton Park as I know there’s a service there, but it’s not on the list.
Oh.
And we are on the list twice.
IIRC, previously we have had two jets fly over. So maybe they are on different paths that cross or join here.
Brindabellas said:
Woodie said:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.Laurence Binyon
We will remember them
Especially at this crappy time in history.
Yes.
Remembering the fallen ones.
Also remembering the ones who came back damaged and changed forever.
And the families who dealt with losses and the damage.
So many past, so many currently.
Lest we forget
Bubblecar said:
The pilots may be gone but some of the planes are still flying.
There’s two of these at Temora.
Booing and heckling from crowd members during multiple Welcome to Country speeches at Anzac Day services across the country have drawn widespread condemnation.
Political leaders, veterans and service attendees described the disruptions at dawn services in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth as “disgraceful” and bastardry.
roughbarked said:
Booing and heckling from crowd members during multiple Welcome to Country speeches at Anzac Day services across the country have drawn widespread condemnation.Political leaders, veterans and service attendees described the disruptions at dawn services in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth as “disgraceful” and bastardry.
These people are the one notion MAGA’s.
roughbarked said:
Booing and heckling from crowd members during multiple Welcome to Country speeches at Anzac Day services across the country have drawn widespread condemnation.Political leaders, veterans and service attendees described the disruptions at dawn services in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth as “disgraceful” and bastardry.
This happened last year, and the year before that. why bother turning up when you’re just going to be a raging dickhead to everyone?
Bubblecar said:
The pilots may be gone but some of the planes are still flying.
Beautiful.
Peak Warming Man said:
Bubblecar said:
The pilots may be gone but some of the planes are still flying.Beautiful.
The V12 sounds great.
roughbarked said:
Peak Warming Man said:
Bubblecar said:
The pilots may be gone but some of the planes are still flying.Beautiful.
The V12 sounds great.
It’s a Mk. IXb Spitfire with a Merlin 66 engine (2,000 hp (1,500 kW) at sea level and 1,860 hp (1,390 kW) at 10,500 ft (3,200 m).
Mk. IXs were, according to several WW2 pilots’ accounts, the best all-round Spitfires.
captain_spalding said:
roughbarked said:
Peak Warming Man said:Beautiful.
The V12 sounds great.
It’s a Mk. IXb Spitfire with a Merlin 66 engine (2,000 hp (1,500 kW) at sea level and 1,860 hp (1,390 kW) at 10,500 ft (3,200 m).
Mk. IXs were, according to several WW2 pilots’ accounts, the best all-round Spitfires.
Noticed the P51 on the tarmac and remembered that they had made them go faster by fittiing a Merlin engine.
Not only was there and ANZAC parade in every city, there was a parade in every suburb, I well remember the parades in Wynnum.
Peak Warming Man said:
Not only was there and ANZAC parade in every city, there was a parade in every suburb, I well remember the parades in Wynnum.
Probably should be in old photos which they are. In my Anzac folder from circa 1920.
roughbarked said:
Booing and heckling from crowd members during multiple Welcome to Country speeches at Anzac Day services across the country have drawn widespread condemnation.Political leaders, veterans and service attendees described the disruptions at dawn services in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth as “disgraceful” and bastardry.
I was mighty pissed. 🤬🤬🤬
ms spock said:
roughbarked said:
Booing and heckling from crowd members during multiple Welcome to Country speeches at Anzac Day services across the country have drawn widespread condemnation.Political leaders, veterans and service attendees described the disruptions at dawn services in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth as “disgraceful” and bastardry.
I was mighty pissed. 🤬🤬🤬
The booing of welcome to country was poor form, having said that I don’t believe that welcome to country has any place at a dawn service.
Peak Warming Man said:
ms spock said:
roughbarked said:
Booing and heckling from crowd members during multiple Welcome to Country speeches at Anzac Day services across the country have drawn widespread condemnation.Political leaders, veterans and service attendees described the disruptions at dawn services in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth as “disgraceful” and bastardry.
I was mighty pissed. 🤬🤬🤬
The booing of welcome to country was poor form, having said that I don’t believe that welcome to country has any place at a dawn service.
+1
party_pants said:
Peak Warming Man said:
ms spock said:I was mighty pissed. 🤬🤬🤬
The booing of welcome to country was poor form, having said that I don’t believe that welcome to country has any place at a dawn service.
+1
It is a rather perfunctory thing these days.
Capn Spalding, can you describe some of these medals?
captain_spalding said:
party_pants said:
Peak Warming Man said:The booing of welcome to country was poor form, having said that I don’t believe that welcome to country has any place at a dawn service.
+1
It is a rather perfunctory thing these days.
yes and no, there is a tendency for creep and expansion in the performance
Kingy said:
Capn Spalding, can you describe some of these medals?
Dammit, stoopid upload.
Kingy said:
Kingy said:
Capn Spalding, can you describe some of these medals?
Dammit, stoopid upload.
Kingy said:
Kingy said:
Kingy said:
Capn Spalding, can you describe some of these medals?
Dammit, stoopid upload.
I can identify the traditional sprig of rosemary (for remembrance). But my family were not military at all. So I can’t help with the others. Mr buffy’s Dad was. Mr buffy is having a look.
Hi Kingy its a bit difficult to tell, but i believe the blue and gold ribbon is a federal gubermint medal for long service. 15 years in this case, if there were little stars on the ribbons then each star is equal to another 10 years os service The others are more difficult because there is a beer in font of them
Peak Warming Man said:
ms spock said:
roughbarked said:
Booing and heckling from crowd members during multiple Welcome to Country speeches at Anzac Day services across the country have drawn widespread condemnation.Political leaders, veterans and service attendees described the disruptions at dawn services in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth as “disgraceful” and bastardry.
I was mighty pissed. 🤬🤬🤬
The booing of welcome to country was poor form, having said that I don’t believe that welcome to country has any place at a dawn service.
I disagree with you on having the WTC at the dawn services. Particularly when there’s One Nation racist numbnuts in our country.
Kingy said:
Kingy said:
Kingy said:
Capn Spalding, can you describe some of these medals?
Dammit, stoopid upload.
TBH, the foreground ones are all ‘after my time’. I can’t place them.
The background ones, which belong to the wearer’s antecedent, include (starting from 2nd from the left),
1939-45 Star
Africa Star
Italy Star
Defence Medal
War Medal
Would have to look up the first on the left, and the last two on the right.
I don’t see the Australian Service Medal there, so it’s likely that these belonged to a British service person.
captain_spalding said:
Kingy said:
Kingy said:Dammit, stoopid upload.
TBH, the foreground ones are all ‘after my time’. I can’t place them.
The background ones, which belong to the wearer’s antecedent, include (starting from 2nd from the left),
1939-45 Star
Africa Star
Italy Star
Defence Medal
War Medal
Would have to look up the first on the left, and the last two on the right.
I don’t see the Australian Service Medal there, so it’s likely that these belonged to a British service person.
I believe that the second from left in the background is the Battle of Britain medal.There were two of them on display today.
About 15 years ago, one of the fire vollies invited me to his house for a few drinks on a Friday. His dad was there as a chippy(carpenter), and during a random discussion, the topic came up of the Battle of Britain which he said that he saw. I stupidly asked which one, thinking about the various movies about it, and he explained that he was 7 years old when it happened. His mum took the family into the London underground to protect them from the bombing, but he was bored and climbed back out to watch all the planes in the sky and the explosions. His mum was not impressed, and came back out to drag him back underground.
Meanwhile today, there was also a Gallipoli beach landing medal, amongst others.
Kingy said:
captain_spalding said:
Kingy said:
TBH, the foreground ones are all ‘after my time’. I can’t place them.
The background ones, which belong to the wearer’s antecedent, include (starting from 2nd from the left),
1939-45 Star
Africa Star
Italy Star
Defence Medal
War Medal
Would have to look up the first on the left, and the last two on the right.
I don’t see the Australian Service Medal there, so it’s likely that these belonged to a British service person.
I believe that the second from left in the background is the Battle of Britain medal.There were two of them on display today.
About 15 years ago, one of the fire vollies invited me to his house for a few drinks on a Friday. His dad was there as a chippy(carpenter), and during a random discussion, the topic came up of the Battle of Britain which he said that he saw. I stupidly asked which one, thinking about the various movies about it, and he explained that he was 7 years old when it happened. His mum took the family into the London underground to protect them from the bombing, but he was bored and climbed back out to watch all the planes in the sky and the explosions. His mum was not impressed, and came back out to drag him back underground.
Meanwhile today, there was also a Gallipoli beach landing medal, amongst others.
The medal second from left is quite definitely the 1939-45 Star.
While there is no ‘Battle of Britain’ medal, aircrew who completed at least one operational sortie with recognized RAF squadrons between 00:01 hours 10 July 1940 and 23:59 hours 31 October 1940, are entitled to a ‘Battle Of Britain’ clasp, which is worn attached to the ribbon of the 1939-45 Star.
This is rather a rare medal, as only about 2,900 were awarded.
I cannot identify the cross decoration at the left hand end, or th etwo medals at the right end, although the do seem a bit familiar.
Second from the right is the General Service Medal 1918-1962.
When i said
This is rather a rare medal, as only about 2,900 were awarded.
I meant the BoB clasp, not the 39-45 Star.
There was HEAPS of 39-45 Stars awarded.
captain_spalding said:
Kingy said:
captain_spalding said:TBH, the foreground ones are all ‘after my time’. I can’t place them.
The background ones, which belong to the wearer’s antecedent, include (starting from 2nd from the left),
1939-45 Star
Africa Star
Italy Star
Defence Medal
War Medal
Would have to look up the first on the left, and the last two on the right.
I don’t see the Australian Service Medal there, so it’s likely that these belonged to a British service person.
I believe that the second from left in the background is the Battle of Britain medal.There were two of them on display today.
About 15 years ago, one of the fire vollies invited me to his house for a few drinks on a Friday. His dad was there as a chippy(carpenter), and during a random discussion, the topic came up of the Battle of Britain which he said that he saw. I stupidly asked which one, thinking about the various movies about it, and he explained that he was 7 years old when it happened. His mum took the family into the London underground to protect them from the bombing, but he was bored and climbed back out to watch all the planes in the sky and the explosions. His mum was not impressed, and came back out to drag him back underground.
Meanwhile today, there was also a Gallipoli beach landing medal, amongst others.
The medal second from left is quite definitely the 1939-45 Star.
While there is no ‘Battle of Britain’ medal, aircrew who completed at least one operational sortie with recognized RAF squadrons between 00:01 hours 10 July 1940 and 23:59 hours 31 October 1940, are entitled to a ‘Battle Of Britain’ clasp, which is worn attached to the ribbon of the 1939-45 Star.
This is rather a rare medal, as only about 2,900 were awarded.
I cannot identify the cross decoration at the left hand end, or th etwo medals at the right end, although the do seem a bit familiar.
Thanks Cap’n.
I should have taken some more pics today, including the piece of paper where I saw the descriptions of the medals.
Luckily, I might get a chance to do that tomorrow.
Peak Warming Man said:
ms spock said:
roughbarked said:
Booing and heckling from crowd members during multiple Welcome to Country speeches at Anzac Day services across the country have drawn widespread condemnation.Political leaders, veterans and service attendees described the disruptions at dawn services in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth as “disgraceful” and bastardry.
I was mighty pissed. 🤬🤬🤬
The booing of welcome to country was poor form, having said that I don’t believe that welcome to country has any place at a dawn service.
I respectfully and passionately disagree.
My Great Uncle played the bugle each time an Australian died whilst he was in Changi. He was passionate about Indigenous peoples inclusion. At his funeral this was the major of discussion.He’s sawv it as part of what he lost a lot of mates for. We have a Victorian Cross on the other side and save feelings and not attending the match whilst the Indigenous returned servicemen after excluded.
We have a stack of a whole lot of medals and participation in just about every conflict that Australia has been in. But those feelings reach across them all.
As one of The Children of the Mist “ that is why I attend to get that sense of belonging and connection to Country and all other Australians who take it into their hearts.
I respect your point of view but I land in a very different place.
party_pants said:
Peak Warming Man said:
ms spock said:I was mighty pissed. 🤬🤬🤬
The booing of welcome to country was poor form, having said that I don’t believe that welcome to country has any place at a dawn service.
+1
Ay the Gallipoli service nobody booed and there was a sailor playing the didge.
buffy said:
Kingy said:
Kingy said:Dammit, stoopid upload.
I can identify the traditional sprig of rosemary (for remembrance). But my family were not military at all. So I can’t help with the others. Mr buffy’s Dad was. Mr buffy is having a look.
The stars are usually for the particular campaigns they were in like the desert star for north Africa. There is a defence medal which is one of the round ones.
kii said:
:(
ruby said:
Brindabellas said:
Woodie said:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.Laurence Binyon
We will remember them
Especially at this crappy time in history.
Yes.
Remembering the fallen ones.
Also remembering the ones who came back damaged and changed forever.
And the families who dealt with losses and the damage.So many past, so many currently.
Lest we forget
Nicely put.
Divine Angel said:
roughbarked said:
Booing and heckling from crowd members during multiple Welcome to Country speeches at Anzac Day services across the country have drawn widespread condemnation.Political leaders, veterans and service attendees described the disruptions at dawn services in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth as “disgraceful” and bastardry.
This happened last year, and the year before that. why bother turning up when you’re just going to be a raging dickhead to everyone?
+1
roughbarked said:
party_pants said:
Peak Warming Man said:The booing of welcome to country was poor form, having said that I don’t believe that welcome to country has any place at a dawn service.
+1
At the Gallipoli service nobody booed and there was a sailor playing the didge.
The booing has nothing to do with ANZAC day. It is from the people who cannot tolerate being told that this is Aboriginal land. They are under the impression that they own the land rather than be renting it from the original owners. After all we massacred them. They couldn’t be claiming the land back because “their ancestors are dead and we have the land now”.
roughbarked said:
Peak Warming Man said:
Not only was there and ANZAC parade in every city, there was a parade in every suburb, I well remember the parades in Wynnum.
Probably should be in old photos which they are. In my Anzac folder from circa 1920.
Great photos!
In primary school we used to practice marching.
roughbarked said:
Peak Warming Man said:
Not only was there and ANZAC parade in every city, there was a parade in every suburb, I well remember the parades in Wynnum.
Probably should be in old photos which they are. In my Anzac folder from circa 1920.
Great photos!
In primary school we used to practice marching.
Carrick Ryan
I wrote this last year after someone booed the “Welcome to Country”, and sadly it’s happened again this year… so I guess this is worth re-sharing because it’s clear that many still fundamentally misunderstand what the ceremony means.
I don’t want to talk about when they should be held, how long they should go for, or whether they should be used for political statements. But I do want to talk about what it actually means to be “Welcomed to Country”, because this is what I think people get wrong.
To be clear, you’re not being welcomed to someone’s “country” in the geopolitical sense we usually understand it. It’s not someone’s territorial possession like we own property, it’s something deeply spiritual.
Now there are High Court rulings that do actually give Indigenous Australians a very real legal right to Australian land based on our own common law, but that’s not what this is about.
Indigenous lore sees the land like we see God, it’s a spiritual being… a presence. It’s not just where their ancestors lived, it’s where they still exist… every single ancestor they have ever had. Their entire belief system is inextricably linked to the land, it’s as sacred to them as a consecrated church.
Now I understand “Welcome to Countries” are a relatively new formality in their current form, but if you understand what Indigenous people are trying to say to you then you might feel differently about pausing to listen to it.
They aren’t welcoming you to THEIR territory, they’re welcoming you to be present on SACRED territory. You’re walking upon the land their nation has cared for since the start of time.
Yet, for your presence on this deeply holy land, they only ask that you take a moment to respect their ancestors who continue to exist within the land. That’s it… and with that they wish us well, and promise us protection, and usually express great joy that this happy gathering is happening on this land.
Now you might suggest it’s all a silly superstition, but if you respect the religious beliefs of Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and Buddhists… this is no more fanciful. Why does this religion not get the same respect?
Personally, when I understand why Indigenous people are performing this ceremony, I can see it’s a genuine attempt to involve me and the rest of Australia in their culture. They are allowing us to be a part of a new religious ceremony to celebrate an ancient civilisation, and they’re doing it in a way intended to make us feel… welcome. How beautiful.
We talk a lot about reconciliation, but most people just expect Indigenous Australians to fully assimilate into our society and be happy with that. That’s not true reconciliation.
The Welcome to Country is an attempt by some to introduce a tiny part of their 60,000 year culture into our broader national identity by teaching us about their deeply personal relationship with “country” and integrating it within some of our other national traditions, be they sport, politics, celebrations, or commemorations.
It’s a moment where Indigenous Australians truly attempt to reconcile their ancient customs and values with ours.
…and white Australians boo them.
I think we can be better than this.
ChrispenEvan said:
Carrick Ryan
I wrote this last year after someone booed the “Welcome to Country”, and sadly it’s happened again this year… so I guess this is worth re-sharing because it’s clear that many still fundamentally misunderstand what the ceremony means.
I don’t want to talk about when they should be held, how long they should go for, or whether they should be used for political statements. But I do want to talk about what it actually means to be “Welcomed to Country”, because this is what I think people get wrong.
To be clear, you’re not being welcomed to someone’s “country” in the geopolitical sense we usually understand it. It’s not someone’s territorial possession like we own property, it’s something deeply spiritual.
Now there are High Court rulings that do actually give Indigenous Australians a very real legal right to Australian land based on our own common law, but that’s not what this is about.
Indigenous lore sees the land like we see God, it’s a spiritual being… a presence. It’s not just where their ancestors lived, it’s where they still exist… every single ancestor they have ever had. Their entire belief system is inextricably linked to the land, it’s as sacred to them as a consecrated church.
Now I understand “Welcome to Countries” are a relatively new formality in their current form, but if you understand what Indigenous people are trying to say to you then you might feel differently about pausing to listen to it.
They aren’t welcoming you to THEIR territory, they’re welcoming you to be present on SACRED territory. You’re walking upon the land their nation has cared for since the start of time.
Yet, for your presence on this deeply holy land, they only ask that you take a moment to respect their ancestors who continue to exist within the land. That’s it… and with that they wish us well, and promise us protection, and usually express great joy that this happy gathering is happening on this land.
Now you might suggest it’s all a silly superstition, but if you respect the religious beliefs of Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and Buddhists… this is no more fanciful. Why does this religion not get the same respect?
Personally, when I understand why Indigenous people are performing this ceremony, I can see it’s a genuine attempt to involve me and the rest of Australia in their culture. They are allowing us to be a part of a new religious ceremony to celebrate an ancient civilisation, and they’re doing it in a way intended to make us feel… welcome. How beautiful.
We talk a lot about reconciliation, but most people just expect Indigenous Australians to fully assimilate into our society and be happy with that. That’s not true reconciliation.
The Welcome to Country is an attempt by some to introduce a tiny part of their 60,000 year culture into our broader national identity by teaching us about their deeply personal relationship with “country” and integrating it within some of our other national traditions, be they sport, politics, celebrations, or commemorations.
It’s a moment where Indigenous Australians truly attempt to reconcile their ancient customs and values with ours.
…and white Australians boo them.I think we can be better than this.
but what if we don’t respect the religious beliefs of Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and Buddhists, and merely respect the freedom of people to entertain false unjustified beliefs
ChrispenEvan said:
Carrick RyanI wrote this last year after someone booed the “Welcome to Country”, and sadly it’s happened again this year… so I guess this is worth re-sharing because it’s clear that many still fundamentally misunderstand what the ceremony means.
I don’t want to talk about when they should be held, how long they should go for, or whether they should be used for political statements. But I do want to talk about what it actually means to be “Welcomed to Country”, because this is what I think people get wrong.
To be clear, you’re not being welcomed to someone’s “country” in the geopolitical sense we usually understand it. It’s not someone’s territorial possession like we own property, it’s something deeply spiritual.
Now there are High Court rulings that do actually give Indigenous Australians a very real legal right to Australian land based on our own common law, but that’s not what this is about.
Indigenous lore sees the land like we see God, it’s a spiritual being… a presence. It’s not just where their ancestors lived, it’s where they still exist… every single ancestor they have ever had. Their entire belief system is inextricably linked to the land, it’s as sacred to them as a consecrated church.
Now I understand “Welcome to Countries” are a relatively new formality in their current form, but if you understand what Indigenous people are trying to say to you then you might feel differently about pausing to listen to it.
They aren’t welcoming you to THEIR territory, they’re welcoming you to be present on SACRED territory. You’re walking upon the land their nation has cared for since the start of time.
Yet, for your presence on this deeply holy land, they only ask that you take a moment to respect their ancestors who continue to exist within the land. That’s it… and with that they wish us well, and promise us protection, and usually express great joy that this happy gathering is happening on this land.
Now you might suggest it’s all a silly superstition, but if you respect the religious beliefs of Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and Buddhists… this is no more fanciful. Why does this religion not get the same respect?
Personally, when I understand why Indigenous people are performing this ceremony, I can see it’s a genuine attempt to involve me and the rest of Australia in their culture. They are allowing us to be a part of a new religious ceremony to celebrate an ancient civilisation, and they’re doing it in a way intended to make us feel… welcome. How beautiful.
We talk a lot about reconciliation, but most people just expect Indigenous Australians to fully assimilate into our society and be happy with that. That’s not true reconciliation.
The Welcome to Country is an attempt by some to introduce a tiny part of their 60,000 year culture into our broader national identity by teaching us about their deeply personal relationship with “country” and integrating it within some of our other national traditions, be they sport, politics, celebrations, or commemorations.
It’s a moment where Indigenous Australians truly attempt to reconcile their ancient customs and values with ours.
…and white Australians boo them.I think we can be better than this.
Yes we can.
ChrispenEvan said:
Carrick RyanI wrote this last year after someone booed the “Welcome to Country”, and sadly it’s happened again this year… so I guess this is worth re-sharing because it’s clear that many still fundamentally misunderstand what the ceremony means.
I don’t want to talk about when they should be held, how long they should go for, or whether they should be used for political statements. But I do want to talk about what it actually means to be “Welcomed to Country”, because this is what I think people get wrong.
To be clear, you’re not being welcomed to someone’s “country” in the geopolitical sense we usually understand it. It’s not someone’s territorial possession like we own property, it’s something deeply spiritual.
Now there are High Court rulings that do actually give Indigenous Australians a very real legal right to Australian land based on our own common law, but that’s not what this is about.
Indigenous lore sees the land like we see God, it’s a spiritual being… a presence. It’s not just where their ancestors lived, it’s where they still exist… every single ancestor they have ever had. Their entire belief system is inextricably linked to the land, it’s as sacred to them as a consecrated church.
Now I understand “Welcome to Countries” are a relatively new formality in their current form, but if you understand what Indigenous people are trying to say to you then you might feel differently about pausing to listen to it.
They aren’t welcoming you to THEIR territory, they’re welcoming you to be present on SACRED territory. You’re walking upon the land their nation has cared for since the start of time.
Yet, for your presence on this deeply holy land, they only ask that you take a moment to respect their ancestors who continue to exist within the land. That’s it… and with that they wish us well, and promise us protection, and usually express great joy that this happy gathering is happening on this land.
Now you might suggest it’s all a silly superstition, but if you respect the religious beliefs of Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and Buddhists… this is no more fanciful. Why does this religion not get the same respect?
Personally, when I understand why Indigenous people are performing this ceremony, I can see it’s a genuine attempt to involve me and the rest of Australia in their culture. They are allowing us to be a part of a new religious ceremony to celebrate an ancient civilisation, and they’re doing it in a way intended to make us feel… welcome. How beautiful.
We talk a lot about reconciliation, but most people just expect Indigenous Australians to fully assimilate into our society and be happy with that. That’s not true reconciliation.
The Welcome to Country is an attempt by some to introduce a tiny part of their 60,000 year culture into our broader national identity by teaching us about their deeply personal relationship with “country” and integrating it within some of our other national traditions, be they sport, politics, celebrations, or commemorations.
It’s a moment where Indigenous Australians truly attempt to reconcile their ancient customs and values with ours.
…and white Australians boo them.I think we can be better than this.
Thanks.
Well expressed.
Michael V said:
ChrispenEvan said:
Carrick RyanI wrote this last year after someone booed the “Welcome to Country”, and sadly it’s happened again this year… so I guess this is worth re-sharing because it’s clear that many still fundamentally misunderstand what the ceremony means.
I don’t want to talk about when they should be held, how long they should go for, or whether they should be used for political statements. But I do want to talk about what it actually means to be “Welcomed to Country”, because this is what I think people get wrong.
To be clear, you’re not being welcomed to someone’s “country” in the geopolitical sense we usually understand it. It’s not someone’s territorial possession like we own property, it’s something deeply spiritual.
Now there are High Court rulings that do actually give Indigenous Australians a very real legal right to Australian land based on our own common law, but that’s not what this is about.
Indigenous lore sees the land like we see God, it’s a spiritual being… a presence. It’s not just where their ancestors lived, it’s where they still exist… every single ancestor they have ever had. Their entire belief system is inextricably linked to the land, it’s as sacred to them as a consecrated church.
Now I understand “Welcome to Countries” are a relatively new formality in their current form, but if you understand what Indigenous people are trying to say to you then you might feel differently about pausing to listen to it.
They aren’t welcoming you to THEIR territory, they’re welcoming you to be present on SACRED territory. You’re walking upon the land their nation has cared for since the start of time.
Yet, for your presence on this deeply holy land, they only ask that you take a moment to respect their ancestors who continue to exist within the land. That’s it… and with that they wish us well, and promise us protection, and usually express great joy that this happy gathering is happening on this land.
Now you might suggest it’s all a silly superstition, but if you respect the religious beliefs of Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and Buddhists… this is no more fanciful. Why does this religion not get the same respect?
Personally, when I understand why Indigenous people are performing this ceremony, I can see it’s a genuine attempt to involve me and the rest of Australia in their culture. They are allowing us to be a part of a new religious ceremony to celebrate an ancient civilisation, and they’re doing it in a way intended to make us feel… welcome. How beautiful.
We talk a lot about reconciliation, but most people just expect Indigenous Australians to fully assimilate into our society and be happy with that. That’s not true reconciliation.
The Welcome to Country is an attempt by some to introduce a tiny part of their 60,000 year culture into our broader national identity by teaching us about their deeply personal relationship with “country” and integrating it within some of our other national traditions, be they sport, politics, celebrations, or commemorations.
It’s a moment where Indigenous Australians truly attempt to reconcile their ancient customs and values with ours.
…and white Australians boo them.I think we can be better than this.
Thanks.
Well expressed.
+1
roughbarked said:
ChrispenEvan said:
Carrick RyanI wrote this last year after someone booed the “Welcome to Country”, and sadly it’s happened again this year… so I guess this is worth re-sharing because it’s clear that many still fundamentally misunderstand what the ceremony means.
I don’t want to talk about when they should be held, how long they should go for, or whether they should be used for political statements. But I do want to talk about what it actually means to be “Welcomed to Country”, because this is what I think people get wrong.
To be clear, you’re not being welcomed to someone’s “country” in the geopolitical sense we usually understand it. It’s not someone’s territorial possession like we own property, it’s something deeply spiritual.
Now there are High Court rulings that do actually give Indigenous Australians a very real legal right to Australian land based on our own common law, but that’s not what this is about.
Indigenous lore sees the land like we see God, it’s a spiritual being… a presence. It’s not just where their ancestors lived, it’s where they still exist… every single ancestor they have ever had. Their entire belief system is inextricably linked to the land, it’s as sacred to them as a consecrated church.
Now I understand “Welcome to Countries” are a relatively new formality in their current form, but if you understand what Indigenous people are trying to say to you then you might feel differently about pausing to listen to it.
They aren’t welcoming you to THEIR territory, they’re welcoming you to be present on SACRED territory. You’re walking upon the land their nation has cared for since the start of time.
Yet, for your presence on this deeply holy land, they only ask that you take a moment to respect their ancestors who continue to exist within the land. That’s it… and with that they wish us well, and promise us protection, and usually express great joy that this happy gathering is happening on this land.
Now you might suggest it’s all a silly superstition, but if you respect the religious beliefs of Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and Buddhists… this is no more fanciful. Why does this religion not get the same respect?
Personally, when I understand why Indigenous people are performing this ceremony, I can see it’s a genuine attempt to involve me and the rest of Australia in their culture. They are allowing us to be a part of a new religious ceremony to celebrate an ancient civilisation, and they’re doing it in a way intended to make us feel… welcome. How beautiful.
We talk a lot about reconciliation, but most people just expect Indigenous Australians to fully assimilate into our society and be happy with that. That’s not true reconciliation.
The Welcome to Country is an attempt by some to introduce a tiny part of their 60,000 year culture into our broader national identity by teaching us about their deeply personal relationship with “country” and integrating it within some of our other national traditions, be they sport, politics, celebrations, or commemorations.
It’s a moment where Indigenous Australians truly attempt to reconcile their ancient customs and values with ours.
…and white Australians boo them.I think we can be better than this.
Yes we can.
+1