Much debate about the naming and timing of Australia Day arises annually. (A Nation at its best, 26/1). It’s usefulness as a focus of patriotism embodies not only our settlement but also an immovable national pride evoking success at war, sport, business achievement, industrial workers’ rights and humane social security programs. We undertake a mosaic of activities which make us the best country in the world. While rebuking those driving discussion on our national day as divisive and pushing social engineering. it could be argued that the distribution of national awards is doing the same thing. While firefighters are superheroes, their glaring omission from national success was mind-numbing. Awards should be abolished. The media at any time could positively publicise amazing actions. The elite selection of winners resonates with the politically correct and their agendas. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta. 27Jan2021.