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Merry Christmas Everyone !Here's a message from Garry ..."Could you please put my best wishes to all our members, and those who visit our site a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Cathie and Me." No worries Garry ... and thanks for all your efforts through the year. Also, to everyone, have a safe Christmas and New Years.
Best Wishes,
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This poem was written by an Australian Peacekeeping soldier stationed overseas.
T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE,
MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.
I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY,
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO,
IN THIS HOME, DID LIVE.
I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.
NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES,
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.
WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT,
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.
FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.
THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR,
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.
THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED,
AN AUSTRALIAN SOLDIER.
WAS THIS THE HERO,
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALIZED THE FAMILIES,
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS,
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.
SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE,
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.
THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM,
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.
I COULDN'T HELP WONDER,
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE,
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.
THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT,
A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES,
AND STARTED TO CRY.
THE SOLDIER AWAKENED,
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
"SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."
THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.
I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL,
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED,
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.
I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE,
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR,
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.
THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."
ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."
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The above picture was taken on the lawn in front of the Sandy, Utah city hall. There was very little publicity about this, but it was a real traffic stopper. People would park and get out and walk among the flags. Some brought bundles of flowers and left them at the base of a flag. Others came together and just hugged each other hard in the silent memory of the terrible loss that we suffered one year ago. We all know over 3000 people lost their lives, but seeing this display, and walking among it, helps put perspective on just how big a number that is.
If those who caused this pain only knew how much stronger we have become, and how terribly their comrades have paid, and will continue to pay, for this horrible crime, I wonder if they still would have done what they did.
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Aaaahhhhh, I think I am just recovering from that great Thanksgiving dinner. Garry, thanks for organising the event once again. It was terrific !
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Hey Everyone,
I came across this website thats about the history of Thanksgiving. Enjoy ! Click here for more info
Don't forget ... we're celebrating Thanksgiving at the Windsor Hotel in South Perth this Thursday at 6:30pm. Contact Garry in order to make a booking on 9380 4233 or 0408 776 913.
| Where: | Windsor Hotel |
| Address: | 112 Millpoint Rd, South Perth |
| When: | Thursday, 28nd Nov, 6:30 pm |
| Cost: | $35pp |
Cheers,
Paul
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On November 19, 2002, the Australian Government issued a "Security Alert". The text of the message issued by Acting Attorney General Chris Ellison is being provided to all American citizens residing or traveling in Australia. The U.S Embassy has no additional information to add.
Begin text:
The Government [of Australia] has received credible information of a possible terrorist attack in Australia at some time over the next couple of months, the Acting Attorney-General, Senator Chris Ellison said today.
Senator Ellison said the information was generalized and non-specific as to possible targets and precise timing.
The information is linked broadly to the general alerts in the United States and the United Kingdom. Information possibly relating to Australia was received on Thursday, 14 November. Further information received on Monday, 18 November, added credibility to the initial information and, as a consequence, the Government [of Australia] has decided to advise the general public of the alert.
"While the information is generalized and non-specific, as to location, or timing, as a precaution all relevant Commonwealth agencies and State Governments have been advised," Senator Ellison said.
"Following September 11, security measures throughout Australia were significantly upgraded and have been under constant review.
"In the context of this current upgrade we have again reiterated the need to continue that process. This alert will remain in place until at least the end of the year.
"I encourage members of the public to be alert and to advise the relevant authorities, such as the local police, of any concerns or suspicious activities."
Senator Ellison said the alert was not related to the ASIO enter and search operations conducted in early November and was not related to the arrest and charging of the individual in Perth on terrorist related offenses.
"The Australian public can be confident that the Government [of Australia] is doing everything it can to prevent the possibility of a terrorist attack," Senator Ellison said.
"The public can also be confident that they will be advised of any significant change in the situation as it relates to the safety of the Australian community."
End text.
American citizens are reminded to refer to the Worldwide Cautions issued November 7, 2002, October 10, 2002 and the Public Announcement for Southeast Asia dated November 2, 2002.
Americans in an emergency can contact the local Australian authorities by dialing "000" on the phone (as the Australian equivalent of "911"). For emergencies such as arrests, serious injury, or death of a U.S. citizen, please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Sydney, located on the 59th floor of the MLC Centre, 19-29 Martin Place, 24 hours a day at 61-2-9373-9200.
Further information can be found at the State Department's Internet site at http://travel.state.gov. For general information on travel to Australia, please consult the Department's latest Consular Information Sheet at this site.
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Hey Everyone ... we have a home girl in Margaret River with an apartment for hire. Sue Laskey in Margaret River has an apartment you can hire next time you're ready to sample wines in the region. I have added the link for Sue's website to the Businesses page.
You can also click here to see more.
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The Thanksgiving Dinner arrangments are pretty well set. We rearranged things a little just make sure the dinner is a little more traditional. Main Course will be ...
Roast stuffed turkey
Creamy mashed potatoes
Sweet & sour cabbage
Succotash-Buttered peas & Maize
Candied Yams with marshmallows
Cranberry Sauce
Dessert: Pumpkin pie with cream
| Where: | Windsor Hotel |
| Address: | 112 Millpoint Rd, South Perth |
| Telephone: | 9474 2229 |
| When: | Thursday, 28nd Nov, 6:30 pm |
| Cost: | $35pp |
Payment should go to me to confirm seating, because there will only be an availability for 50. Please send check or money order made out to the Windsor Hotel. Send it to my address:
U.S.A.C.
PO Box 5
Subiaco 6904.
Must have all checks in by the latest Monday the 25th of November.
If you want to bring children please call me at 9380 4233 or 0408 776 913. I do not have an answer as of yet on this arangement but will within the next few days.
Thanks
Garry
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This Worldwide Caution supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated October 10. It is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to the need to remain vigilant and to remind them of the continuing threat of terrorist actions that may target civilians. The scheduled November 14 execution of a convicted terrorist in Virginia may trigger retaliatory attacks against American interests overseas. This Worldwide Caution expires on May 7, 2003.
On November 14, 2002, the State of Virginia is scheduled to execute Mir Ahmad Kasi, also known as Mir Aimal Kansi, a Pakistani national, who was convicted in 1997 of the 1993 murders of two CIA employees. The potential exists for retaliatory acts against U.S. or other foreign interests in response to the execution.
The U.S. government continues to receive credible indications that extremist groups and individuals are planning additional terrorist actions against U.S. interests. Such actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations. Because security and security awareness have been elevated within the United States, the terrorists may target U.S. interests overseas. Recent events include the terrorist attacks in Kuwait and Bali. We remind American citizens to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution.
Terrorist groups do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Attacks on places of worship and schools, and the murders of private American citizens and other westerners, demonstrate that as security is increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists and their sympathizers will seek softer targets. These may include facilities where Americans or possibly other foreigners are generally known to congregate or visit, such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or resorts and beaches. Americans should increase their security awareness when they are at such locations, avoid them, or switch to other locations where Americans in large numbers generally do not congregate. There is a possibility that American citizens may be targeted for kidnapping or assassination.
U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time to review their security posture and ensure their adequacy. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to American citizens. Americans are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest American embassy or consulate.
As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to Americans overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers can hear recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202- 647-5225 from their touch-tone telephone, or receive information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine.
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| Where: | Windsor Hotel |
| Address: | 112 Millpoint Rd, South Perth |
| Telephone: | 9474 2229 |
| When: | Thursday, 28nd Nov, 6:30 pm |
| Cost: | $35pp (approximate, to be confirmed) |
The full details and menu will be posted here as soon as they are confirmed.
Anyone is welcome, we just need the numbers as soon as possible so we know what room they will use. If you have American friends here who want to come, e-mail them or call them to let them know.
If you went last year, then you already know that the food was excellent and it was a lot of fun. Looking forward to another big gathering this year. :-)
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Hey Everyone,
Garry found this excellent memorial website.
Click here for more info
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I think everyone on this planet needs to read this. This was sent by a 78 yr old former nun. The thoughts are pure and we all understand the point....
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
There are a few things that those who have recently come to our country,and apparently some native Americans, need to understand.
First of all, it is not our responsibility to continually try not to offend you in any way. This idea of America being a multi cultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity.
As Americans, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language, and our own lifestyle. This culture, called the "American Way" has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.
Our forefathers fought, bled, and died at places such as Bunker Hill, Antietam, San Juan, Iwo Jima, Normandy, Korea, Vietnam...
We speak English, not Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society - learn our language!"
In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some off-the-wall, Christian, Right Wing, political slogan - it is our national motto. It is engraved in stone in the House of Representatives in our Capitol and it is printed on our currency. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation and this is clearly documented throughout our history. If it is appropriate for our motto to be inscribed in the halls of our highest level of Government, then it is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools.
God is in our pledge, our National Anthem, nearly every patriotic song, and in our founding documents. We honor His birth, death, and resurrection as holidays, and we turn to Him in prayer in times of crisis. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture and we are proud to have Him.
We are proud of our heritage and those who have so honorably defended our freedoms. We celebrate Independence Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Flag Day. We have parades, picnics, and barbecues where we proudly wave our flag.
As an American, I have the right to wave my flag, sing my national anthem, quote my national motto, and cite my pledge whenever and wherever I choose. If the Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet.
The American culture is our way of life, our heritage, and we are proud of it. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. Like it or not, this is our country, our land, and our lifestyle.
Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion about our government, culture, or society, and we will allow you every opportunity to do so. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about our flag, our pledge, our national motto, or our way of life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great American freedom: THE RIGHT TO LEAVE!
Another thing: To those who do complain about the usage of words like 'God' and 'American' and speaking the language of our great nation, TRY GOING TO ANOTHER COUNTRY AND SPEAK AGAINST WHAT YOU DON'T LIKE. YOU WILL MORE THAN LIKELY END UP JAILED OR EVEN KILLED.
In America, you take your right to complain for granted. The more patriotism that is removed from where our children are taught, the less our children will learn about what it is to be an American and our nation's spirit will slowly be taken away.
If you agree, pass this onto other Americans!! It is time to take a stand!! God Bless America and our Military and Veterans!!!
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Excellent ! I found this web site today. It's a Victorian based company, and has a whole list of excellent American groceries. You can order them, and have them delivered by Australia Post. Now I can get Barq's Root Beer regularly ! :-)
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Hey Everyone, Just a quick reminder that Labor Day is just around the corner. Here's a short description of the holiday that I found on the U.S. Consulates website.
For those interested in a complete history, Click here for more info
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Hey Everyone,
Ever have problems getting flowers to a loved one at the last minute ? Maybe "OZ-2-US" can help you. I received this email from them the other day ...
Hello,
I came across your address today and I'd like to recommend a link for your website that I think you would be interested in. It is: http://www.oz-2-us.com Title: Great fresh flowers! Low prices! Very good value! Description: Great fresh flowers, direct from the growers in North America, for destinations in the US & Canada. Quick, efficient, reliable service. Low prices. Very good value. I feel that many Americans living in Perth would like to get to know about this web site for they surely have to send flowers back home from time to time. As our prices are very competitive, I feel sure they would like what we have to offer. For your assistance in this matter, I thank you kindly. With very best wishes,
Sincerely,
Richard
I have also added this link under the "Businesses" area.
Cheers,
Paul
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The newly formed American-Australian Affinity Council will be holding a breakfast to commemorate the September 11 tragedy. The AAAC was formed to encompass the American organisations in Western Australia.
The breakfast will be from 7.30am - 9.00am at the Western Australian Club, 101 St George's Terrace. Followed by a Church Service at St. George's Cathedral at 10.30am.
If you wish to attend, please fill out and return the registration form.
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Acknowledging the odds are against them, relatives of the September 11 attacks filed a 15-count, $116 trillion lawsuit Thursday against the company run by Osama bin Laden's family, Saudi Arabian princes and Sudan.
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On the anniversary of September 11th this year, channel 7 are going to host a special about the events of that day. Keep an eye on your television listings for further details.
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She Writes: As I watched the beautiful skyline of New York City float past me I noticed the sun was about to line up just behind the twin towers. I was lucky enough to snap the picture at exactly the right moment. If you look at the sunrays it is almost prophetic. - A little spooky.
When I show this picture to anyone they almost always ask for a copy. I just want to share it with all that want it. Please take this picture and share it with anyone and everyone who likes it. I've been printing them like crazy on my home computer to give to those that want a copy.
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The U.S. Consulate in Perth has been requested to deliver an emergency message to American Citizen Jennifer Raider. It is believed she is living in Australia.
If you have any knowledge of Ms. Raider's whereabouts, please telephone the U.S. Consulate in Perth (9202 1224 Extension 403) as soon as possible.
Thank you.
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Hey everyone,
Just a reminder about the 4th of July picnic. Its 11am to 3pm this Sunday (July 7th) at Nedland's Yacht Club. $5.00 donation at the door and tickets will be given for Hot dogs. Hope to see you there.
Cheers,
Paul
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Sorry for the sporatic updates to the website, but my company has been
hopping me back and forth to Melbourne and Brisbane so much that I feel
like a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.
Ground Zero - There is a Ground Zero photographic exhibition at
Council House. It began on May 17 and runs through to June 1. It's by
Joel Meyerowitz, the only photographer to be allowed on the site.
Click here for more info
Memorial Day - As you probobly already know, the US holiday of
Memorial Day is 27 May. Did you ever wonder what Memorial Day is all about ?
Click here for more info
An American - And finally, the following is said to have been written
by a dentist in Australia. It's a very inspirational definition of what an
American is. Enjoy.
Click here for more info
Cheers,
Paul
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Stephanie Wilson from The American Womens Club has asked if we would assist with the 4th of July Picnic Committee. Here's what she sent ...
"The 4th of July Picnic Committee has asked me to contact you about helping us on the day. We will celebrate on Sunday the 7th of July at Nedland's Yacht Club. Could you ask your members about volunteering. We will give discounts for admission to anyone who wants to help. They can contact the Picnic Chair, Jill Spargo, on 9417 4548. We only ask for an hour of help in these areas: BBQ (hot-dogs), Gate, children's activities. As always, the picnic is open to the public. Hope to see you there."
Thanks heaps,
Stephanie
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Here's a website that is an order line that you can go to to get N.Y. Firefighters decals and shirts, and all the money goes direct to the victims families. Click here to read it.
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"Unfortunately I was unable to coordinate anything with the Firemen from NY. Their schedule was just to busy. I was with them a few times, and we were on the Battleship Stennis where they brought out the American Flag that was recovered from the World Trade Centre. It was quit emotional and I will have pictures to give you so you can put them on the site.
Cheers, Garry"
(pssst, this is Paul, I will post the pics as soon as Garry sends them to me. Also, I've added some Australian links to the Sports Page ... have a look.)
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The visiting Firemen from the United States are going to be at the Anzac Day Parade Thursday. I'm going to try and arrange a B-B-Q somehow. Possibly in Kings Park on Saturday or Sunday. We don't how much time they have, but I'll find out and let you know.
Cheers, Garry
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I recently saw this poster advertised. If you want one, you can get it from HERE
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In a recent interview General (Retd) "Stormin' " Norman Schwarzkopf was asked whether there was any room for forgiveness to the people who have harboured and abetted the terrorists who perpetrated the attacks on Sept 11.
His reply? ... "I believe that forgiving them is God's function, Our job is simply to arrange the meeting"
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Theres an upcoming fundraising event to raise funds to bring some of the New York firefighters and their families out to Australia for a well deserved vacation. The event is a Riverboat Gambling Cruise and will be a lot of fun.
Click HERE to see full details.
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Wow, just over a month since my last message. By now, you're all saying "It's 2002 already !?!?" ... well, it is. I hope everyone had a good break and are thoroughly back into it (yeah right).
The Australian American Association are hosting a Jazz Sundowner is association with visiting U.S.Navy ships. Click HERE (pdf format) to read all about it.
Finally, just wanted to mention that I watched the movie Pearl Harbor last night. Wow, I thought it was fantastic. Makes me think of my Uncle Charles, who was on the USS California during the raid. He's still living happily back in Mississippi. A lucky man.