This summer’s bushfire season has been one of Australia’s most tragic and destructive. And still the battle continues between firefighters and fire. Flags fly at half-mast today across NSW following the deaths of three American firefighters who perished yesterday near Cooma. The trio had been flying up to eight crucial water-bombing missions a day before their C-130 Hercules crashed and burned. Just a few weeks ago, Rural Fire Services commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons shared mobile phone footage of Australians spontaneously applauding as they witnessed US firefighters arriving at Sydney Airport. Yesterday Fitzsimmons fought back tears as he spoke about the three firefighters whose lives were lost. The courage and dedication of those three men, and the tragedy of their sacrifice, speak to the high stakes and massive dangers involved in battling these fires. Yesterday’s disaster also underlines why Australians have so generously supported fundraising for fire victims , and why fundraising continues. Our nation knows how immense is this challenge and is responding accordingly. At The Daily Telegraph and through our parent company News Corp, we have been honoured to join and promote fundraising efforts. We are also aware that in the weeks and months to come there will be stories to tell of individuals, families and communities rebuilding and recharging their lives and towns. Those stories will be an important part of this summer’s fire horror, because they will show the core resilience that defines the Australian response to even the most wrenching catastrophes. That is why this week we launched Australia Unites, our series saluting the extraordinary sacrifice, bravery and selflessness of all who joined the battle. Once again, in adversity, Australia is uniting. As we approach our national day, it's gratifying to know that quality is as strong now as it was a century ago on a very different battlefield. For now, the fight continues. Then, we begin the reconstruction.
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