Re the Leader Flashback "Saying 'sorry' for the past" (September 4).
I believe the time has come to acknowledge with pride, those who, by the sweat of their brow, made this Great Southern Land what it is today!
The gratitude of all who now call Australia "home", including our Aborigines, lie with those who came to our shores, rolled up their sleeves, put their shoulders to the wheel and with unimaginable setbacks, ventured forward where others before them had turned their backs and retreated.
Having grown up in South Australia where Australian History was taught in schools from an early age, I fail to understand why my children and grandchildren who grew up in NSW missed this wonderful experience.
Australia since 1606 by Professor Porteous was on the primary school syllabus for many, many years and my favourite book of all time. As a small child I felt indebted to the early explorers for pushing beyond human capabilities to open up this unforgiving country.
The heat, the flies, the fires, the floods, barriers at every move they made. These are the people who deserve our recognition.
I am tired of the hackneyed expression of "Saying sorry for the past". How about a "thank you".
Marie Stanley-Smith, Yowie Bay
