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Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia for National Flag Day 3 September 2006
On National Flag Day 2006, Australians are called to celebrate the 105th
anniversary of our country's most conspicuous national symbol.
One hundred and five years ago the newly federated Australia, emerging from
the lgth century and poised on the threshold of a vibrant era of opportunity,
sought to create a national flag to symbolically define its nationhood. One can
imagine the extraordinary interest in the public design competition which
ultimately drew almost 33,000 entries. The winning five - of similar design -
were adopted to form the basis of Australia's national flag. It has remained
thus, largely unchanged, in the years since.
We see the massive Australian Flag flying magnificently above the Parliament
House Canberra representing our democracy and freedom; we delight in
waving the flag during events of national significance including the Olympics
and Commonwealth Games. And which Australian is not moved by the sight
of our medal winners standing proudly on the dais, as the Australian Flag is
hoisted to the music of our national anthem? And in front yards across
Australia, thousands of people raise the flag every day as a symbol of pride in
our nation.
Australia is indeed a "Nation of Excellence - the Global Example". I
commend National Flag Day to all our citizens as an occasion on which to be
very proud of our country and its outstanding achievements.
His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, AC CVO MC (Retd)
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia |
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Flag Day
