Hi Gareth,
Thanks for the information but I think your source has some issues.
According to yours it seems they sailed and arrived the same day – being the 25th – from that account. Pity they arrived between the 18th -20th. It seems this account has some serious issues. Especially as it is documented that the Lady Penrhyn arrived on the 20th January. https://firstfleetfellowship.org.au/ships/hms-lady-penrhyn/

While I admit your source is interesting to read it does not show the event on the 26th as being a large affair. In fact it seems to be similar to my source which states that on January 26, “the principal officers and others assembled round the flag-staff, drank the king’s health and success to the settlement” with no mention of a large fanfare.

The flag raising ceremony was on 7th February, as stated in my source “three eyewitnesses to the flag-raising ceremony on 7 Feb 1788 all recorded their memories of the proceedings independently” which is more than your source which seems to have errors within accepted history.

Regards,
Marcus

Are we still British occupiers?
When are we allowed to not be guilty of the things done Centuries and Decades ago?
I am not saying what was done was good.
What do Aboriginal people need, or feel they need, from White Australia for what has gone before?
What does White Australia need, or feel they need, to do to not feel like jerks for something they didn’t do, yet certainly benefited from?

Should a child born out of wedlock, or even from a rape, feel shame every time their birthday happens?

When can we celebrate being Australians, even whitey’s who live in a great land that was violently taken from brownies?
Or can we never?
Or do we forever have to recognise the jerk things our ancestors did, every time we try to remember that we are an amazing nation of people?

Are some sins not forgiveable?

You’ve pointed out issues, but I don’t think you’ve given any accompanying solutions.
Or do we live a normal life most of the rest of the year, but just sit in an unresolvable guilt for a few days?

My question isn’t directed to you alone.

But how sorry is sorry enough?

Michael, I totally agree with the ANZAC day approach. Too much has gone on and too many people don’t know the truth or the full history. So many will never get to be on country to learn.
The idea of dawn services acknowledging all the wrongs quietly and peacefully. Mornings spent learning from the local tribe about what has gone before. The new generations carrying on a legacy of respect and recognition.
Afternoon can then be open to continue recognition or to celebrate what we have become as a country and a combination of so many nations, both indigenous and newcomers.
If I could witness that in my twilight years and see my grandchildren carry this on then I would have a warm heart

This account confirms the 26th January date. According to this letter by John Campbell, the Governor took possession of the land, flag hoisted, guns fired etc:

“… About 12 Miles to the Northward he found Out a very good Harbour for the Shiping & better Ground Called port Jackson the 26 Sailed & Arived the Same day the Governor went on Shore to take Possession of the Land with a Company of Granadeers & Some Convicts At three A Clock in the Afternoon he sent on board of the Supply Brigantine for the Union Jack then orders was Gave fore the Soldiers to March down to the West Sid of the Cove they Cut one of the Trees Down & fixt as flag Staf & Histd the Jack and Fired four Folleys of Small Arms which was Answered with three Cheers from the Brig then thay Marched up the head of the Cove where they Piched their Tents”
https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/collection-items/john-campbell-letter-his-parents-9-august-1789

We can,t blame or throw abuse at the general public for what has gone before, but we can hold them to account for what happens into the future. The government and public services, industry and commerce leaders should be accountable for what happens in the future.

Ok, so let us recognise the arrival of the first fleet, but as mentioned in a previous comment, lets have from dawn till noon a remembrance ceremony of what has gone before. A time of reflection, learning and apology, a time when out young become acquainted with what really happened and who was responsible. Then all Australians can get together and celebrate how great this country is in the way they feel is appropriate.

Around 65 years ago my elders and teachers taught me that the aborigine was not the owner of the land but the caretaker, as no one could ever be the owner. It was their role to care for and honour country, as it should be all Australians who have come and who will come in the future.

Celebrate but remember first