FOR THE PATRIOT'S
"Australia's National Anthem"
Composed by Harry Lyall Folley just prior to World War Two is an indication of the patriotism of Australians at the time and the sense of urgency that we needed something special in a time of threat and uncertainty but the royalist references would not be considered politically correct now.
Prime Minister Gough Witlam declared "Advance Australia Fair" to be Australia's national song but he was unable to call it our anthem because the name was held in copywrite. 19 years after Harry's death, The National Flag Committee approached his wife, Hilda May Folley in 1986 who released the copyright and therefore released the title. After this date, "Advance Australia Fair" then took on the title of Australia's National Anthem.
Harry, (my grandfather) also published two short books of poetry, Secrets of Silence First Edition 1921 and Uncle Roger and other Poems c1946. All three documents are in the National Library of Australia.
The Australian Oath of Citizenship
From this time forward, under God, 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.
AUSTRALIA'S NATIONAL ANTHEM
To this our land, Australia,
Let's all stand firm and sing,
Come all unite in harmony,
Let's make our voices ring.
The sunny shores of this great Isle
Shall never fall to foe,
So we shall stand with strength and voice
To let our Foemen know.
Chorus:
Australia! Australia!
Her honour shall not fall,
"Our lives we'll give to save her" is
Our Motto and our call.
The love that kindles in our might
Will flame for Country and for right:
Australia! Australia!
God bless our native land.
God save our King and royal folk,
Long may they reign and live
To make us happy with the love
That they so freely give.
Forever may Australian Hearts
To British brothers cling,
And both unite when called to fight
For home and flag and king.
Before we leave our sunny isle,
And this our Nation's song,
May great men of the future guard
Her shores from any wrong.
May brave men ever serve her on
Their Proud majestic way.
And sing this song to victory
In the Australian way.
By Harry Lyall Folley
