APART from its value as a public holiday long weekend so soon after the Christmas break, Australia Day is a time to reflect on and celebrate our national identity.
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Some Aboriginal groups call it Invasion Day because the day celebrates or commemorates the start of white settlement.
Others warn of the nationalistic connotations, reflected in the proverbial hotted-up utility with small Australian flags attached to each side window.
Australia is indeed a very lucky country with a diverse multicultural heritage spanning 200 years, when Chinese immigrants worked in mining and pearling.
We are an inclusive society, keen to establish proper recognition of the first Australians in our constitutions. Since World War II, immigration has been as much a part of our society as the story of Anzac.
We battle elements of racism as do most countries from either East or West. We have an easygoing nature and a sense of fair play.
We cherish a deep respect for those who gave their lives in war for the sake of our future and this is reflected in the poignancy of Anzac Day.
Perhaps the day is a little too raw in its connotations for Aboriginal groups. Perhaps we get too nationalistic sometimes, but the modern Australia is proud of its first landowners.
The modern Australia thrives on immigration and seeks to welcome and accommodate new settlers or visitors.
The modern Australia is a peace loving society with a laid-back manner and a generous spirit.
If Aboriginal people feel alienated, they should well debate the timing of day but they should never feel alienated because we are are proud of what we are and where we have come from.
Racist, arrogant nationalism will never flourish in Australia. It is not our nature, and we should never be ashamed or hesitant about unfurling our flag today.