March 11, 2011
Julia Gillard says she became teary towards the end of her historic address to a joint sitting of the US Congress yesterday when the emotion in the room overtook her.
Her half-hour speech included the Prime Minister recounting the story of a group of Australians who spent two months training with the New York Fire Department's Rescue One team in preparation for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Great mates by the end of training, FDNY Rescue One exchanged a signed helmet for a slouch hat from their Aussie friends.
Ms Gillard told Congress that FDNY R1 leader Kevin Dowdell was among hundreds of firefighters killed when the World Trade Center towers collapsed in the September 2001 terrorist attacks.
Australian firefighter Rob Frey brought the helmet to Washington yesterday to present it to Mr Dowdell's son James, also a firefighter.
These two men are here today. Rob, James, good on you, Ms Gillard said.
We are so proud of what you represent your story says it all about the friendship between Australia and the United States.
Together in the hardest of times. Friends for the future.
Congress gave the two men a sustained standing ovation and House Speaker John Boehner was among those there to well up with tears.
Ms Gillard's voice faltered as she ended her speech.
Americans could do anything, she had thought when she watched the moon landing as a seven-year-old.
I believe that still. You can do anything, she said. I firmly believe you are the same people who amazed me, when I was a small girl, by landing on the moon.
Afterwards, she said: It was some emotion showing. I think the bonds between our two countries are deep, we feel them deeply. I feel them deeply and it was a big occasion today for Australia.
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The West Australian (Perth)
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Same wavering little cheese-grater voice, but still no tears.
