Today is my first ANZAC Day as an Aussie citizen.
This is my home. I chose it. I will likely live out my days here. As an American, I always understood the importance of defending the way of life of your country. The pride of living in one of the best countries in the world, the honour of those who successfully defend it.
For me, it's not just about Gallipoli, but about the coming-of-age of Australia. After WWI, Australia said: We matter! We have a culture! We are a country in our own right!
I don't want to lose that culture now any more than Australians did in 1915.
My circle of friends is a diverse group of mostly expats. We've collected individuals from India to Israel, Sri Lanka to Seattle, Adelaide to Amsterdam. Black, white, yellow, brown and pink. Jewish, Protestant, Catholic, Hindu and Muslim. You can find just about any background in our group.
The reason I stick with this group of friends is simple: We all appreciate each other's background, but we live in Australia. Our values, our culture is based around the mores and values of Australian society as a whole.
We obey the laws. We walk on the left side of the footpath. We watch the football. We hold down jobs. We respect Australia.
There is no better day than ANZAC Day to reflect on the culture of Australia. It's about Mateship, and a "fair go." I welcome everyone into that culture, and I'm here because I think it's the best way. If everyone coming to Australia understood the importance of that, I think those opposed to immigration would have a different view.
One Australia is Multiracial within a single Australian Culture. We can all celebrate our heritage, as long as we live our Australianism.
Get out today to honour and celebrate your Aussie-ness! Thank you Diggers. Lest we Forget.
