Originally Posted by
Moti
The problem with this sort of saccharin patriotism is that it contributes to the Americanisation and militarisation of Australian culture. Once Australians had a healthy disrespect for authority, the military etc. It's only recently that the "my country right or wrong" attitude seems to have been seeping in. Anzac day used to be a low key event honouring people like Weary Dunlop or Simpson and his donkey - it seems to have become (together with Australia Day) a celebration of Australian military prowess and jingoism. "Australia, best country in the world" and so on.
Denouncing this particular instance as a myth and an imported and doctored one does a little to stem the tide. John F Kennedy said "made up stories on the internet are the last refuge of a patriotic scoundrel"