It happens over and over in the History of the World. There's no point whinging over it now, if that is all you ever do. But I like to keep it in mind at the very least.
I have lived in Australia for twelve years now, the anniversary was late November. I love Australia, especially Adelaide which is home to me - simple and true. I want to see more of this country, this land, and to understand the intricacies which are foreign to me.
I am proud to be Britonozzie. To varying degrees of strength, I feel great national pride. I do not think either of these titles - British or Australian - render me any greater than if I were from any other part of the world, but I celebrate the achievements of those who have gone before, just as I feel shame for those actions I feel demonstrated great failure.
So Happy Australia Day - you stereotyped day-off-work, where beers and barbeques are apparently plentiful. May the upcoming years engage in advancements and successes, no matter how insignificant they may appear.