Does the King's Birthday long week-end mean a great
deal to Australians or does it signal little as
Julianne Schultz writes in The Guardian? She
tells us that it merely signals that our independence
is unfinished business.

Do most Australians just enjoy the public holiday and
not think about what it represents?

Many will probably not even know that King Charles was
born in 1948 on November 14th.

We know that the days that nations choose to celebrate
vary world-wide. And the days chosen say a great deal
about the nation.

What does it say about us - and what days should be put on
our country's list to celebrate?

And why?

The following link explains further:

http://theguardian.com/australia-news/commentisfree/article/2024/jun/09/kings-birthday-long-weekend-public-holiday-australia

Public holidays are a nuisance - why can't people just take their holidays when THEY need them?

«We know that the days that nations choose to celebrate
vary world-wide. And the days chosen say a great deal
about the nation.»

There you go again - there is no such thing as "nation", there are only people living and breathing, being born, getting old and dying, meanwhile trying to make the most of the life they have: please stop imposing that nonsense on them!

Yuyutsu,

In 1901, Australia became a nation forming the Commonwealth
of Australia.

Australia is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy
comprising six states and ten territories. The states of NSW,
Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western
Australia, the major mainland, ACT and NT and other minor or
external territories.

The King's birthday was first celebrated
in 1788 on George III's birthday.

This long week-end is a reminder that we're still part of the
Commonwealth. Calendars and diaries have changed to declare
that this is the King's Birthday - King Charles III.

Of course, there are other days that we could celebrate
if we chose to that would paint a different picture of
our nation. However many people are quite happy with the
way things are.

There's more at the link I gave.

Dear Foxy,

Please do not repeat the hollow propaganda regarding this stupid "nation" thing,
especially when attempting to include me by writing "our nation" as if I have anything to do with it
- you are more intelligent than that when you want!

So what if some people in 1901 said whatever they said, I was not there and had no say in it.

If you feel like celebrating anybody's birthday, nothing stops you from doing so at any time,
but there is no justification for forcing your preferences on others.

Yuyutsu,

I am not forcing anything on any one. This is a
discussion on the King's Birthday which is
being celebrated in this country today as a
public holiday.

You're not obliged to do so. Or for that matter
you are under no obligation to contribute to this
discussion either. Your validation is not required.

Cheers.

Now back to the topic:

The author of the article I gave in my first post
suggests that there are other days what we as a nation
could celebrate that would paint a different picture
of us:

1) 24th March (1966) the end of the White Australia Policy.

2) 18th December (1894) - when South Australia first place
in the world gave women the right to vote and the right to
stand for parliament.

3) 3 March (1986) the Australia Act that made the nation
fully independent of Britain (85 years after Federation).

And the list goes on. We could also include the recognition
of so many other dates - it is up to us to decide - or not.
Or keep things as is.

It is something to think about and debate.

Of course preferably without insults.

Its a day off work. that's all that matters to the vast majority and woebetide any government, union or employer group that dared get in the way of a sanctioned day off work. What's being celebrated is entirely beside the point.

The day is set for no better reason than its in the middle of the British summer which means that the trooping of the colours is more likely to be held in sunshine than drizzle.

There are a gazillion things we could swap for the King's Birthday and few are likely to agree on any particular one. The only thing that can be agreed upon is that the day off work has to be preserved.

I miss cracker night.

I also feel that most Australians appreciate the day
off from work. Although I was surprised to learn
this morning how many stores, like Woolworths, Coles,
and Bunnings, are open today. Even our pharmacy is
open up to certain hours with less staff - but still
open.

Times are changing to accommodate people.

I had forgotten about the Order of Australia honours.
737 Australians have received honours on the King's
Birthday celebration. Including comedian Hamish Blake,
cricketeer Glenn McGrath and ABC's Jimmy Rees.

Former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews - one of
six people awarded the highest honour. The Companion
of the Order of Australia.

He was the State's longest serving Labor Premier.
2014 to 2023 and served during some crucial times
including the 2019/20 bushfires and the COVID-19
pandemic.

Does anyone remember Bonfire Night or Cracker Night
which used to be celebrated on 5th November in the 1980s?

It used to be so much fun for kids.

This may be of interest:

http://army.mod.uk/news-and-events/news/2024/06/trooping-the-colour-for-the-kings-birthday-parade-15-june-2024/#

Dear foxy,

«Now back to the topic:»

My previous post was very much on topic:

«I am not forcing anything on any one.»

But acquiescing and saying nothing could be seen as an implicit agreement with your preliminary assumptions, based on which you present your view regarding the King's Birthday public holiday, such as that there exists (according to you) an "Australian nation".

«This is a
discussion on the King's Birthday which is
being celebrated in this country today as a
public holiday.»

Thus I presented my clear view in opposition, explaining why in my view neither that particular public holiday nor any other public holidays, should exist.

Well our holiday has come and gone.

It was most enjoyable. Spending time with the family
was a good start to the week.

I've been thinking about the King's Birthday celebrations
and what it's meant to Australians all these years.
It's been part of this country for so long. Formerly
it was the Queen's Birthday, until 2022. The holiday
was dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II.

After her death, King Charles III ascended to the British
throne which also made him Head of the Commonwealth and
King of Australia.

In most Australian states and territories the King's
Birthday falls on the 2nd Monday in June.

However 2 states have decided to move the holiday to a
different date to avoid clashes with other state holidays.

Western Australia celebrates the holiday on the 4th Monday
in September - or the first Monday in October.

In Queensland it is the first Monday in October.

A long week-end is something most people look forward to.
Because it is a chance to get a day off from work, a
chance to do something with our families, or visit sporting
events, or make trips, or see the latest movies, or visit
relatives or - just simply enjoy the day.

Then of course there are the King's awards.
Over seven hundred were granted this year.

Why does this subject even come up in a discussion ? Those against the Monarchy go to work & those who are not can have a day off. Where's the problem ?

Indyvidual,

Most people do not work on a public holiday.
The places that choose to remain open are on
selected reduced staff with usually limited hours.

Instead this gives them a chance for a long week-end
and time off to spend with families and friends.

This has nothing to do with being against the monarchy.
Most Australians just enjoy the long-week-end.

You seem to be the one seeing problems.

This has nothing to do with being against the monarchy.
Foxy,
?? Then why bring it up ??

Indyvidual,

You asked why did I bring up the topic of the King's
Birthday?

I thought it was obvious in my opening post and the
link I gave.

We celebrated the day - on Monday. I thought it might be
interesting to talk about this day - and what if anything
did it mean to people today.

Perhaps it might have helped - had you read my opening post
and the link?

BTW:

Personally, I'm not against the monarchy.
Especially not after seeing what's
happening in the United States.

Giving a gong to Andrews has reminded Australians of the fascism of the Covid days, and particularly that mongrel's part in the atrocities: house arrest, China-style rubber bullets, bashings by police.

The same applies to that admirer of Communist China, McGowan.

Agree with you Foxy.
Some of these holidays come from Labour Traditions eg Eight Hour Day.
In some cases special events, sporting etc are held on these days.
Some go back to other traditions like Bank Holidays.

I like them !

Dear Bezza,

«I like them !»

I can understand that you like the leisure - most people do, especially if they work too hard,
but wouldn't you like it even more if you could choose your holidays and organise whatever events and gatherings you really like with your own circle(s) of family, friends, fellows, enthusiasts, etc. at the dates that suit you best?

Hi Bezza,

I think most of us that have grown up with these
traditions - tend to like them, especially when it
means being able to choose what you want to do on
those long week-ends. Most of us look forward
to them.

Appointing Andrews and McGowan to Companion of the Order of Australia was like the UN’s appointing of Communist China to the Human Rights Council.

What about the knighthood for Prince Philip?

Public holidays such as a day to "celebrate" the fella living a life of luxury in the castle, aka Buck House, ruling over those living in abject poverty down below, for those unworthy subjects, it should be a day for celebration, after all the gracious monarch hasn't had their heads lopped of yet, for breaking his law, now that's something to celebrate! I do hope our little band of forum royalists gathered on the day, somewhere in an inconspicuous corner of the realm, and belted our a stirring rendition of 'God Save The King' at least ten times. Well anyone want to put their hand to being guilty of performing such a pathetic act? Hummm?

Hi Paul,

Personally I'd prefer King Charles to President Trump any
day of the week.