Meat Pies, Football, Kangaroos and Holden Cars

It might not have the panache of a 4th of July, but today, the 26th of Jan, is Australia Day -- otherwise known as Vegemite, Beer and Barbeque Day, White Invasion Day, Sorry Day. But this is a light and fluffy holiday blog, so we won't go there.

Although President Obama might not have mentioned us in his rousing State of the Union speech, he was thinking of us nonetheless.

The Australian Associated Press says Mr Obama wrote to our Governor General, Quentin Bryce:

As I noted when I visited Australia in November, the U.S.-Australia alliance has served as an anchor of stability, security, and prosperity in the world for six decades.

Australia and the U.S. are united by history, values and deep cultural and economic ties. As you celebrate your national day, know that the United States stands with you in friendship now and in the future.

I wish all Australians a safe and happy holiday celebration and continued peace and prosperity in the coming year.

So, as I finish my breakfast of Vegemite on toast and watch a fellow cafe addict munch his quintessentially Aussie meat pie and tomato sauce, on behalf of all Australians, I thank the President for his good wishes.

Later, as I down a couple of coldies on this muggy summer day, I'll throw a shrimp on the barbie for you. Can't say fairer than that, eh, mate?

 

Follow Trish Mitchell on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@tritchmishell

Comments

[Des Bellamy]

11:10 PM on 01/26/2012

Think you've got our national cuisine down pat there Trish - vegemite on toast. Forget about the meat pie - it is false advertising. It might be a pie...

Something a bit odd about celebrating the dispossession of the indigenous people by burning and eating non-indigenous animals though, generally accompanied by an aggressive and ignorant xenophobia, often directed against other citizens.

I'd like to see a return to the old "fair go" ethic - for the Aborigines, for the immigrants, and let's give the lambs a day off too and go veg!