Where I go…making peace with patriotic conflicts

An American mining event in Adelaide, Australia, while not insignificant in itself, didn’t quite have me thinking “now this is sure to be life-changing day” as I made my way through the early morning traffic.

But so it was just last week when the big event opened, unsurprisingly, with a heartfelt rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ belted out by a professional singer up on the stage.

Next came the Australian National Anthem, again delivered with great gusto by this consummate professional. And with it came something of an epiphany as I found myself singing along, happily and heartily, if a little out of tune.

Yes, I’ve been a dual Australian and British citizen for a few years now but – and for no reason other than, shamefully, not knowing the words that well – I had never sung ‘Advance Australia Fair’.

Thankfully, it seems the naturalised Australian (aka me) isn’t alone in this department on this particular morning as the words magically appear on the big screen, presumably to help the mostly home-grown true blue Aussie audience navigate through the challenges posed by “our land is girt by sea” and other lines.

While it was an epiphanic moment for me, I’d be dishonest if I didn’t admit that, at least initially, I found it strangely conflicting too.

I am proudly Australian, I know that.

But I also know I love my home country. And today I was reminded that home – and happiness – is where the heart is. 

Right now, despite the emotional rollercoaster that invariably accompanies migration, home is Australia, my happily beating heart leaving me in no doubt about that.

I embraced it as a momentous occasion, a moment when, without a shadow of doubt, I was ready to fully commit.

So, when the English cricketers roll into Australia for the next chapter of The Ashes later this year and I find myself at the Adelaide Test, I know I will happily rise to my feet and sing both ‘Advance Australia Fair’ and ‘God Save the Queen’ at the top of my rather unmelodious voice.

Now, if only it was as easy choosing which team to barrack for…

For more blogs please go to: www.whereigo.net