Lookin’ out at the city tonight, mate, it honestly feels like the whole country’s just taken a massive, proper breath out. The vibe is just different, you know? There’s a buzz in the air, a real warmth and energy I reckon I haven’t felt in yonks. It’s more than just the sea of green and white flags everywhere; you spot it in the little things. It’s when a complete stranger catches your eye for a second and just gives you this little nod, this shared grin that says it all without a word. That feeling, that it’s all of us in this together, that’s everywhere, from the poshest, flashiest boulevards right down to the quietest back lanes in the sticks.

And that’s why this isn’t just another run-of-the-mill celebration for our 79th Independence Day. Nah, for me, and I reckon for a lot of us, it feels like our national spirit has been given a new lease on life. It’s a proper statement of who we are, a confidence that was cooked up in the fire of a challenge we all saw unfold with our own two eyes. This August 14th is a different kettle of fish altogether because its story is tied right into the guts of our win........

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