Australian National Flag Day - Fly the Flag with Pride
1st September, 2009
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss, is calling on constituents, businesses and community groups to celebrate Australian National Flag Day on Thursday.Mr Truss said National Flag Day is a celebration of the anniversary of the first occasion on which the flag was flown - 3 September 1901.
“The Australian Flag identified us to the world as a newly independent and unified nation. Since that time the Flag has become an emblem of our nation and our people,” Mr Truss said.
“A competition to design our nation’s flag attracted 32,823 entries, so in a country with a population much smaller than today’s, the new flag attracted huge interest and indicated the strong feeling to have a truly national emblem to represent the newly created country.”
Mr Truss said flying the flag was a demonstration of support for Australia.
“The Flag has flown for our country in times of celebration and sorrow and has been present at pivotal occasions in our nation's history, providing a focus for Australians and acting as an inspiration for achievement.
“The Flag flew over the first ships of the Navy in 1910, at the first Australian base on the Antarctic continent in 1911 and was carried by the Anzacs who landed at Gallipoli,” Mr Truss said.
“The flag remains a symbol of national unity and identity; it represents a people who are known for their sense of generosity and fairness, openness and tolerance. From peacekeepers to our competitors on the sporting field, the Australian Flag represents us as compassionate and decent people.”
Mr Truss said the Flag reflects the pride in our nation felt by communities across Australia and represents the ideals of its people in their diversity.
“I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to celebrate with pride the 108th anniversary of the Australian National Flag.”
