Despite Judith Ireland's scepticism ('Nothing sacred to see here', 19/1), Australia Day has now indeed become 'a precious national celebration.' It is an important ritual festival supportive of traditional Australia which is under siege from those who seek to undermine its culture and political order. The majority of Australians recognise that 26 January 1788, marking the constitutional beginning of our nation, is a significant date which should be annually honoured with gratitude to our forebears.