I never realised how much Irwin has had an impact on me. To foreigners when they ask what is being Australian about, best option has always been to say "Steve Irwin". There isn't a person on this planet that hasn't heard of him.
Steve really characterises what being Australian is.
It's not about his life in years, its about the years in his life. Irwin made the most of life.
Being Australian is about pride, freedom and the taking risks. Australians are a nation of risk takers. We are proud and loyal. We have a following worldwide. Its not what we seek, its how we are admired for our attitudes to life. We live life with intention to have no regrets. We are a nation of optimistic people from many cultures. It's what attracts people to this country. Freedom, pride and attitude.
Irwin made me realise how living life should be about taking risks. Never leave the chance that someone you'll regret not having done something when you had the chance. It was about living life to its best in the years you have. Because who knows how long you'll be here for.
Cheesy as Steve Irwin made us sound, he put us on the map again and made the world know what being Australian was about. I'm proud to say that he's an icon not for being an entertainer, but for him as a person. What it's like to be Australian. And it's infectious, just ask anyone who has decided to make this country home.
I won't go on, I'd have a lot more to say about my admiration for this guy. And instead of doing some horrible pearly gates cartoon that i'm sure will hit every newspaper and website across the globe. Instead, I'll post a cartoon I drew back on the 7th September 2004...
Steve Irwin .... bewdy.
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