Surely people remember Sam the Koala:
Photo credit: Mark Parden
The article that the picture comes from is
here. This article was written when Sam passed away.
She became a symbol of the devastating Black Saturday Fires that tore through my homestate of Victoria, Australia.
173 men, women and children perished, 1,000's of home destroyed and 1,000's of people displaced, entire towns were wiped off the map, including a place so very close to my heart and the source of many happy memories - Marysville - totally destroyed (and 4 people I knew there did not make it out of the fires). Every one was touched by the tragedy, so much so that a few weeks later, a National Day of Rememberance was held.
But, it also showed the Australian character and the strength of our friends overseas.
10,000's of volunteer firefighters braved the hellstorm to save lives and homes - one made the ultimate sacrifice. We had volunteers from all over the country and from Indonesia, USA and New Zealand - a gracious act that will never be forgotten.
The Australian Army mobilised and made shelter for those whose homes and lives were shattered. The Red Cross and local Radio stations reached out and brought separated loved ones back together.
I remember listening to the local online radio station, as I am many 1000's km away here in Japan. I heard many many people crying, terrified about their loved ones - then calling back with the news that they have found their loved ones. Sadly, this was not always the case.
Later, the fundraiser was held to help those in need, Australians there and abroad reached deep into their pockets (I know I did), and for a nation of only 22 million, the citizens raised over 100 million dollars.
The towns are being rebuilt - they will rise again, including my beloved Marysville.
So, back to the picture - a battler (Sam the Koala) and a Volunteer (the firefighter) symbolises the true heroism and courage by so very many in the hellstorm that was Black Saturday - 7th February, 2009
and is symbolic of the hero within all of us.