Prime Minister Opens Steve Irwin Memorial Service
Tuesday September 19, 2006
Australian Prime Minister John Howard opened today's memorial service for Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, calling him a "remarkable Australian" with concern for all "creatures great and small."
Country singer John Williamson followed with his rendition of one of Steve Irwin's favorite songs, "True Blue."
Anthony Field of The Wiggles traced how Steve Irwin developed Australia Zoo from the reptile park his father Bob founded. A clip of Steve Irwin performing with The Wiggles was shown.
Irwin's father Bob Irwin thanked the public for their thoughts, letters, flowers and sympathy. "The animals lost the best friend they ever had and so have I," he said.
Irwin's eight-year-old daughter Bindi Sue spoke of her father, her relationship with him and his love of animals, saying he was "the best Daddy in the world and I will miss him every day." .
Irwin's wife Terri did not speak at the memorial service.
Television, movie and other entertainment personalities including Russell Crowe, Larry King, Kevin Costner, Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake and Hugh Jackman spoke in filmed tributes of how Irwin affected them and the world.
Actor David Wenham read a poem, The Crocodiles Are Crying.
Film clips from Steve Irwin shows and documentaries, including out takes, were interspersed with the tributes to the Crocodile Hunter.
The public memorial service at Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo started at 9am, September 20, Australian eastern standard time.
Country singer John Williamson followed with his rendition of one of Steve Irwin's favorite songs, "True Blue."
Anthony Field of The Wiggles traced how Steve Irwin developed Australia Zoo from the reptile park his father Bob founded. A clip of Steve Irwin performing with The Wiggles was shown.
Irwin's father Bob Irwin thanked the public for their thoughts, letters, flowers and sympathy. "The animals lost the best friend they ever had and so have I," he said.
Irwin's eight-year-old daughter Bindi Sue spoke of her father, her relationship with him and his love of animals, saying he was "the best Daddy in the world and I will miss him every day." .
Irwin's wife Terri did not speak at the memorial service.
Television, movie and other entertainment personalities including Russell Crowe, Larry King, Kevin Costner, Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake and Hugh Jackman spoke in filmed tributes of how Irwin affected them and the world.
Actor David Wenham read a poem, The Crocodiles Are Crying.
Film clips from Steve Irwin shows and documentaries, including out takes, were interspersed with the tributes to the Crocodile Hunter.
The public memorial service at Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo started at 9am, September 20, Australian eastern standard time.
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LIFE LESSONS LEARNED FROM STEVE IRWIN AKA CROCODILE HUNTER
10. Life is short. Play Hard.
9. Respect life. All life. Nothing is insignificant.
8. Laugh.
7. Love what you do and do what you love.
6. One person CAN make a difference.
5. Have a healthy fear of the unknown AND known. (Fear doesn’t have to show to be present).
4. Don’t let fear paralyze or stump your growth.
3. Discover your life mission and LIVE IT passionately everyday.
2. If you use – Crikey! – only once a day, then your enthusiasm is anemic.
1. Nothing beats the love of a good woman and God’s gift to us – children.
Thanks for the journey Steve. I learned a lot.
I love Steve Irwin and his family – They have been a Blessing to the whole of mankind. He will be missed and Remembered everywhere around the world. God Bless him and the surviving family. You have made a tremendous impace on mine and others lives.
My grandsons are the same age as Bindi. They have had the good fortune to have had Steve Irwin and Terri and their kids in our living room via “Animal Planet” for much of those eight years. My grandson,John, didn’t see his dad much while he was very young and he decided that Steve was “His Dad!” This was comforting to his mom and me too! What a role model! To say the least Steve will be missed terribly-it seems unreal still. I hope his family knows how much he meant to so many. I will keep them in my prayers. Thank you Terri for your interview with Barbara Walters-it helps to know you are going on. God Bless YOU!