It's Official

"Are you here to be branded?" the Mayor asked one of the guests as we entered the shire boardroom. That particular man wasn't, but we were.



First though, the flag had to be located and then displayed. If you look behind Sarabelle you will see it draped over the white board and secured with brightly colored magnets.

After we spoke the affirmation and received our certificates and a specially minted commemorative coin, the national anthem was played on a small boom box. Unfortunately for the people in the room who were not standing within one meter of the equipment like we were, you couldn't hear it. But it was played. Then we were offered tea, coffee, and muffins...



... and headed home as brand new, freshly minted Aussies.




From this time forward,
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,
Whose democratic beliefs I share,
Whose rights and liberties I respect,
And whose laws I will uphold and obey.

-- Australian Citizenship Affirmation