AUSTRALIA DAY 2024


I have written in the past about my thoughts on Australia Day and what it is to be an Australian or for that matter,  becoming a republic.  The Ode below is but one of them.p

I am of the opinion that when the time comes for any change to occurr, "all Australians" will do what is in the interests of "all" Australians and not by the few.

I have not changed my view, opinion or stance on the above two matters and I cannot see that changing in my life time. As Australians let us not be influenced greatly by the few who believe they know best for us. 

The following is my message to those who have made Australia home, to the politicians who think they know best and to those wishing to change society to benefit the few.

No matter where Australians are located in this tiny globe of ours, we always stop and commemorate on one day of the year that true blue Aussies remember who we are.

Those of the First Peoples, their ancestors, the migrants who entered Australian shores and those born in Australia are the many coloured threads that make up the fabric of Australian society.

If you arrived in Australia from another nation; Australians do not question your faith, culture, where you came from, where you were born, how and where you grew up. Neither do Australians want you to assimilate.  For they have come go realise that the word assimilation means forgetting your past and where you came from.

Australians expect you to integrate into Australian society, to abide by its laws, embrace its people, culture, institutions, contribute to its economic security and way of life; without losing your culture, faith and where you came from.

Australia has room for those seeking to start a new life, therefore when hou arrive on these shores, keep alive the memories of your culture and faith and weave your thread into this fabric we call home: Australia.

There is nothing wrong with making your influence felt with your presence in all the fields of science, academia, medical, industry, literature and all other areas that strengthen Australia's interests.

Australians will make their own minds up if there are any changes to be made in their way of life and will only consider those matters that enhance the quality of life for all.

Take care, be strong, enjoy your neck of the woods, fight the good fight and be vigilant at all times, for we live in interesting times.

Peter.


ODE TO AUSTRALIAN GREEKS.

"O stranger to this land of ours we call home, Australia. Remember that we too are Australians. We who are of Hellenic origins, and made Australia home were and are always obedient to its laws. We who reside under the great Southern Cross once crossed this great land and have memories of old.

May those who doubted our loyalty, remember that we too shared the burdens of Australia and willingly took on the aggressor to retain the freedoms we take for granted this day.

For those of us who are buried in this land we call Australia we salute those who now carry the torch we once carried with pride. To live in a land free from oppression, hunger and disease.

To raise our families and educate our children in the manner of the land we now live in. We ask now of the new generation that when the time comes, that they too remember that our lives were not in vain.

Consider therefore, carefully before you criticize, that we who lie beneath this Australian soil, that we once lived amongst you in the flesh and felt the cool breeze against our cheeks and the heat of the sun during the day.

We too had visions, dreams, and  objectives that were not always fulfilled, but that somehow we managed to find our way through life.

We kept true to the laws of the land,  worked hard to sustain our selves and that of our brethren.  Laughed, cried, howled and jumped with joy when good news or calamities came our way. We took on the good the bad and even the nightmares of others in good stead, without wavering from what lay ahead.

In all matters great and small, we Australians of Hellenic origins never forgot our heritage, culture and our sense of identity during our journey throughout this land we call home Australia.  

We ask not much for the next generation other than to remember that we never forgot that we came from a race called the Hellenes. 

 Peter Adamis