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G4EBT > POEM 29.01.08 21:54l 109 Lines 3739 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 3F7751G4EBT
Read: GUEST
Subj: Patriotic "Ozflag" Poem
Path: DB0FHN<DB0FOR<DB0MRW<OK0PKL<OK0PPL<DB0RES<DK0WUE<GB7FCR
Sent: 080129/1951Z @:GB7FCR.#16.GBR.EU #:59917 [Blackpool] FBB-7.03a $:3F7751G4
From: G4EBT@GB7FCR.#16.GBR.EU
To : POEM@WW
The question of whether or not Australians wish to become a republic will
undoubtedly be raised again in the next few years, and if the vote went
that way, the issue of the flag will crop up, as it already has.
At its simplest, all that would be needed would be to drop the Union flag
which occupies the top quarter next to the flagpole, but some have argued
that a totally new design is called for.
What a kafuffle that would cause.
My purpose in writing isn't to feed the trolls by raising the issue of "Oz
republic/not?" again, (A matter for Australians, but which others are
quite entitled to have an interest in, and a point of view on) but to
mention
a little poem I came across in praise of the flag as it now is.
I know that gushing sentimentality - rather like songs such as "White
Cliffs of Dover" either bring a tear to the eye and makes one reach
for the hankie, or to reach for the bucket and wretch.
But from my perspective I thought the poem below summed up quite well the
feelings of those who have a duality of emotions towards both Britain and
Oz and who like the flag just as it is. As Australia Day (26 Jan) came
and went without a mention, a patriotic little poem might not come amiss:
Quote:
The Old Flag
Our flag bears the stars that blaze at night
In our southern sky of blue,
And a little old flag in the corner -
That's part of our heritage, too.
It's for the English, the Scots and the Irish
Who were sent to the ends of the earth,
The rogues and the schemers,
The doers and dreamers
Who gave modern Australia birth.
And you who are shouting to change it,
You don't seem to understand,
It's the flag of our law and our language -
Not the flag of a faraway land.
It doesn't mean we owe allegiance
To some forgotten imperial dream;
We've the stars to show where we're going,
And the old flag to show where we've been.
By Robin Northover
Sounds good to me.
Oztriv:
How the Oz flag came into being:
The flag of Australia was chosen in 1901 from entries in a worldwide
design competition which was held following Federation. It was approved by
the Australian and British authorities over the next few years, although
the exact specifications of the flag were changed several times. The
current specification was published in 1934.
In 1954 the flag became legally recognised as the "Australian National
Flag". The flag is a actually defaced Blue Ensign - a blue field with
the Union Flag in the canton (upper hoist quarter), and a large white
seven-pointed star known as the "Commonwealth Star" in the lower hoist
quarter.
The fly contains a representation of the Southern Cross constellation,
made up of five white stars - one small five-pointed star and four,
larger, seven-pointed stars.
In addition to the Blue Ensign there are several additional Australian
flags, including the Aboriginal flag, the Torres Strait Islander flag,
and the flags of the Defence Forces and merchant ships.
The design of the Australian flag is the subject of debate within
Australia, with some advocating its redesign in connection with the
republican movement.
An organisation called "OZFLAG" has proposed a design, the basis of which
is explained, which I mention without comment. It can be found here:
http://www.ozflag.com/story.htm
I think that if that flag were to be adopted, the national anthem would
have to be changed to "tie me kangaroo down sport" with a wobble board
and didgeridoo ensemble:-)
That would be fun!
Best wishes
David, G4EBT @ GB7FCR
British Vintage Wireless Society Member
G-QRP Club Member, No: 1339
Cottingham, East Yorkshire.
Message timed: 19:47 on 2008-Jan-29
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