Posted on 09/07/2006 1:59:41 AM PDT by Aussie Dasher
IT is 4 o'clock in the afternoon, peak hour for mourners flocking to the nation's newest shrine, a palm tree oasis called Australia Zoo in the foothills of extinct volcanoes called the Glass House Mountains.
The mourners come in their hundreds, then thousands to the spot in the Hinterland an hour's drive each way between Noosa or Brisbane.
The two car parks are jammed with frantic attendants in khaki shirts and shorts trying to keep the traffic moving.
Khaki shirts and shorts are the uniform here at the shrine to Steve Irwin. There is his image in a khaki shirt in a huge billboard overlooking the entrance to the once modest reptile park.
"Crikey Australia Zoo" says the sign, and there is Steve wrestling a giant crocodile above the mourners' heads. Another huge sign says "Welcome -- have a ripper day".
But it is not a ripper day here at the Australia Zoo, It is shrouded in an enormous outpouring of grief by ordinary people, the like of which we have not seen since the death of Princess Diana.
Then, the crowds formed to place a huge carpet of flowers outside Kensington Palace in London, waved wreaths through iron railings, laid lillies outside where she lay in state waiting for a funeral that stopped the world.
Here at Beerwah the grief is as great and as heartfelt as that indelible moment in history. It is a pilgrimage here to pay homage to an ordinary Australian, a bit of a larrikin in khaki shirt, khaki shorts and khaki boots.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...
I read the stories about his Dad today. A Class Guy he is.
Mass hysteria. Absolutely ridiculous. The Princess Diana hysteria was ridiculous also.
I feel very sorry for people like yourself who just don't understand..... There are some very good people in the world and Steve was one of them, nothing like Princess Diana. Steve had a special relationship with children which some grouchy old men would never have a clue about.
I didn't read anything to indicate hysteria of any type, just quiet, respectful appreciation for a fine human being. "Hysteria" is Vanity Fair publishing 20 pages of photos of Scientologist Tom Cruise's baby and the fact that the photos were even taken getting prominent mention on CBS Evening News.
Very well put!
Thank you for continuing to keep us updated, Aussie Dasher.
Steve Irwin was a class act. He never lost his enthusiasm, he was always the real deal and Steve Irwin was a real man following his dreams and sharing them with the world.
God Bless and keep him and may God Bless and Comfort his grieving family and friends.
The only one being hysterical that I've seen thus far is you Jeff.
It wasn't just a kid thing, either. Lots of adults- myself among them- were into the show. It was so much fun to watch a guy with so much energy and enthusiasm, so much joie de vivre, doing what he loved. I've spent enough time in the woods to appreciate the message, as well.
Irwin did more living in a typical week than some folks do in their whole lives.
Amen
Steve Irwin was a giant in the world of zoology and his very long shadow will be missed. I enjoyed his shows and his enthusiastic curiosity and support for the creatures we share this earth with.
I am grateful that God allowed us all to share him for his short time on earth and pray that his wife, children and family will know peace. We join the Australians in mourning the loss of Steve Irwin.
I hope his family can gain some comfort knowing how loved and admired he was......
My condolences for the loss of your countryman. An amazing outpouring.
Ah, yours was a voice of calm reason amid the grouches. Good Point and well delivered.
One of our radio personalities here said that Steve was very passionate, and people loved his passion. The fact is that he always made his bits more interesting and entertaining; therefore, he passed along more knowledge.
His encounters and lessons will be replayed for decades. His detractors will be few. His mimics, many.
Perhaps our Aussie FRiends could enlighten us...
What's a larrikin?
Thanks in advance...GG
What is it about you pee-on-the-parade types...He was a national figure and loved by his countrymen...what is WRONG with that?
GET A LIFE !!!!
A larrikan is a bit of a hoon, very much an obvious Aussie, but who shows cheekiness and often disrespect to authority.
Most larrikans are great fun to be around.
Well Steve was indeed great fun, if only through the TV.
He was quite popular with the kids in my home. For a period there, we never missed an episode.
We had hoped to visit Australia Zoo during our trip there in a couple of years. We still will, but I'm not sure it will be the same without Steve, although I'm sure Terri and the kids, and Steve's Dad will carry on.
I'm sure they will do EXACTLY what Steve would want done.
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