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Hi all,

I'm not one for doubling posts between forums but wanted to share my experience with members here who don't frequent the other forum.

Today, my wife Dena and I were fortunate to have been asked to attend the Steve Irwin Memorial Service as VIP guests. We arrived by train to Beerwah station, ready to be taken by bus to Australia Zoo. Once on the bus, we were escorted by three motorcycle police, lights flashing, to the memorial.

Once there, we headed to the VIP section, walking along with people like Kym Beazley and other dignitaries to our seats. The memorial started at around 9am and for an hour or so, the emotion and feeling amongst ourselves and most others was unbelievable. Words cannot explain the feeling of being amongst the tributes, songs and emotion of the day, coupled with footage of Steve in action in many of his amazing exploits.

Tears flowed from many of us and I cannot express the honour I felt to be able to attend this remarkable event in person, with my wife. This is a day I will never, ever forget.

I'm sure all of the 5500 people in the Crocoseum will agree with me wholeheartedly.

Thanks

Michael

Thank you, Michael, for sharing your moving experience with us. I am sure you felt welcome and privileged to be able to pay tribute to such a great young man, who is already sadly missed. I believe Steve is already part of the Australian folklore.

Michael,

We all share your feeling of loss, and we understand the pride, and the sorrow, you would have felt at this event.

You were, indeed, privileged to be invited to this memorial. Thank you for sharing your experience, and your emotions, with us.

Michael,

I'm so pleased that you and Dena were there for the experience. My wife and I watched this on TV this morning and we were both brought to tears a number of times. I can only begin to imagine the feeling and emotion that would have filled the Crocoseum.

It was a very touching tribute and I too will remember it for a long time to come. The the song "true blue" I've been humming and singing it all day long.

I'm really glad for you that you had the amazing opportunity to attend you deserve it too.

Thanks, guys.

Yes, Dena and I both feel privileged to have been able to attend this amazing, beautiful memorial service.

Having worked in a zoo as a birdkeeper, on various conservation projects and now photographing and writing about nature's subjects, I really appreciate and respect the work Steve was doing. My connection to staff and associates at Australia Zoo also bring the loss a lot closer to home.

He will be sadly missed.

Michael