Today was history in the making, as our Government says Sorry to the Stolen Generations. It's a true act of reconciliation with thousands of people taking part in the event across Australia.

For those that missed it, the full apology and speech video can be viewed on the ABC website.

GetUp! (an independent, grass-roots community advocacy organisation) organised a beautiful candle cremony which you can see in the video below.

Today was the one day that I wish I could have remained in Canberra to be on site as the apology was spoken (I was in Melbourne for the day) but although I couldn't be there in person, I was there in spirit. I was surprised by how moved I felt when I heard the apology by Prime Minister Rudd but I'm glad that this new Government is taking active steps in moving Australia forward. I'm glad that this Government is humble enough to admit the wrong doings and racist past that we had. I'm optimistic about our reconciliation processes and our future.

I'm proud to be an Australian.

Other interesting links:

• Shared history, shared responsibility for change - an opinion piece from Shelley Reys about shared responsibility
• The meaning of 'sorry' - Helen Moran, Co-Chair of National Sorry Day Inc, spoke with GetUp about parliament’s apology
• The apology coverage - by ABC.net