Pages

Saturday, April 19, 2014

ADVANCE AUSTRALIA FAIR

"ADVANCE AUSTRALIA FAIR" PROCLAIMED NATIONAL ANTHEM 30 YEARS AGO TODAY

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (JFK+50) Governor General Sir Ninian M. Stephen officially proclaimed "Advance Australia Fair" as the nation's national anthem 30 years ago today, April 19, 1984.

The patriotic song, written by Peter Dodds McCormick, was first performed on Saint Andrew's Day, November 30, 1878, in Sydney.

"God Save the King" (Queen) was the national anthem of Australia from 1788 to 1974.

"Australians all let us rejoice
  For we are young and free
  We've golden soil and wealth for toil
  Our home is girt by sea.

  Our land abounds in nature's gifts
  Of beauty rich and rare
  In history's page, let every stage
  Advance Australia fair.."