Hey guys, as you all know sadly it is nearly 1 year since Steves passing. I had the idea (based on the idea of the fan book and pledge book) to make another book, 'keeping the memory alive' and have people write messages about how 1 year one we are working to keep Steves memory alive, so things like watching his show with your kids or just being part of the forum where we we work together with things like passing on the news of campaigns to get others involved. I hope if you all agree with this you will leave your messages ASAP and I will put the book together and send it off to hopefully get it to the zoo in time for the anniversary.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: irwin fan,

G'day irwin fan..brilliant idea!

Thank you Irwin Fan - this is a brilliant idea to remember Steve by.

Nice idea...This year has gone so fast....

CRIKEY CROCS RULE!!

glad you all like the idea, I cant believe its been nearly a year. I hope you will all post your messages for me to include in the book. I also thought at the end I would include the mission statement that Shanon included as I think it would be a nice summary of what we are trying to do and what Steve taught us, what do you think?

I think including the Mission Statement would be a great idea - it does sum up what we are doing on this forum.

I am bringing this wonderful idea to the top. Thank you irwin fan for including the Mission statement. I will go thru the threads and add more of the special thoughts that have been posted here by our family members..this is a wonderful idea for an Anniversary Rememberance. Thank you for doing this.

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thank you shanon that would be wonderful

Irwin fan, here is my message:

In this past year, I have adopted Graham the croc and become a Wildlife Warrior by making regular donations through Wildlife Warriors Worldwide. I will also be adopting animals from the Zoo in the future for my nieces and my brother.

I have also been more proactive in recycling and have managed to convince my workplace to recycle the waste paper rather that just bin it.

This year I set aside a corner of the garden and have planted wildflowers and also placed a small water feature there. In just this summer alone, I have seen Red Admiral butterflies - these I haven't seen for several years and Cabbage Whites, aswell as numerous over insects. I also have a toad living in the water feature. I have dedicated this part of the garden to Steve.

My father and I also have been feeding the wild birds - 365 days of the year and as a result we have seen a vast increase in the number of sparrows, blue tits, greenfinches, starlings, pigeons, wood pigeons, collared doves and just recently we have had some ring necked parakeets coming to feed. A couple of times we have had crows and rooks coming down as well. Not bad for garden that is on the outskirts of London with the M25 and Heathrow Airport nearby. It is amazing watching these birds as they all have their set times to come and feed.

I will never forget Steve, and I will do whatever I can to help the enviroment, conservation and protection of wildlife. I will stand shoulder to shoulder with all my 'family' from the UK Animal Planet Forum as we continue to fight to give future generations a better place to live.

In the words of the legend 'Croc's Rule'

Thank you alison this is the perfect message, I'm sure it will make the irwins to smile just as it made me smile. Your are doing an incredible job, Steve would be proud, thank you

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Hey guys, have been thinking more about what to include in the book, what about in the messages as well as including what you are doing to keep Steves memory alive also include why you think it is important to keep his memory alive rather then just his message, does that make sense? So like keeping his memory alive because his energy and enthusiasm captures the imagination of younger children like no other wild life presenter can. If you get what I mean please tell me what you think

This message has been edited. Last edited by: irwin fan,

Hello irwin fan I understand what you are saying. The reason for keeping Steve's Dream alive, goes hand in hand with what each can do or is doing, to accomplish that.
Excellent idea!

We came here from all over, drawn by a common bond, our love and respect for the original
"WildLife Warrior" Steve Irwin.

As the waves of shock and disbelief were echoing throughout the world, it was a quiet refuge where we could post our condolences to his family and reflect on what he meant to us individually. Over the course of the last few months, this common bond has forged friendships and evolved into a family.

We have each grown and continue to grow in our awareness for what Steve’s mission in life was truly about. Although he wasn’t with us a long time, he made the most of each day, and spent his life teaching the importance of Wildlife Conservation and Preservation. Millions were listening, and now they are not just listening, they are doing!

We have all resolved to do more and encourage others to seek out ways that they can help to keep the dream alive. We are but a small group among the millions of small groups throughout the Global Community that now have this same resolve.

Steve left behind a blueprint of example that details what we need to do, to stop the destruction and start the healing of our planet, so that it will be clean and healthy for this generation and those to come.

Although no longer here physically, he is with us, and will remain. He is not a memory of what could have been, but a legacy of what will be. He will always be missed, never forgotten and forever loved.

Steve Irwin was and still is a hero to many people, including myself...When I joined this forum on the last day of December 2006, I could not have imagined that I would meet so many wonderful people and make some life long friends...

That is what Steve was able to do...Bring people together from different corners of the world and unite us all.
Although gone, he is still doing this..We all came here to comfort each other and I can honestly say, hand on heart, that this forum has been my saviour, without it...well..who knows..

Now we have the chance to keep his memory alive by continuing the work he started and gave his life for, it's up to us now to pass on his message to future generations, not just this year or the year after, but for the duration of our lives, this is a life long commitment..Steve pledged to do this for the duration of his life, and he did, and in a way he is still guiding us all..

We have the opportunity to make him proud, to do something that will result in a better place for our children to live, it is never to late to make that change...

People lead by example..Steve Irwin is the best example to all of us..His name stands for so much...He is the reason I am here today...And my love and respect for him is the reason I will do my very best to 'change this world'..

He will always be in my thoughts and in my heart and he will never be forgotten..

CRIKEY CROCS RULE!!

Thank you Shanon and ILS, these are both beautiful messages. Exactly what I wanted the book to be. I also thought about including the songs 'memory of you' and 'wildlife warriors its time'. If you have any other songs or poems that you think should be included please let me know

This message has been edited. Last edited by: irwin fan,

Irwin fan, I thought that you may like to include this as well.

Steve always said if people could touch wildlife, they would take that animal into their hearts and would then do their best to save it.

This is so true, this weekend I was at a Country and Garden show in Salsibury. I was their with friends to demonstrate the unique gaits of the Icelandic Horse and the great character that they have. In between, our displays I was walking around the showground and found some people that had birds of prey and owls there. For a small donation to a wildlife charity, you could have the chance to hold one of these birds.

I had the great pleasure in holding an Eagle Owl and it was so wonderful to get so close to such a majestic bird, my friend held a buzzard, we both came away from there smilimng from ear to ear. The more I get close to wildlife, the more I want to do to save it. I will treasure the feeling I got today for the rest of my life. Thank you Steve.

thank you alison, i have added that to your message. Sounds like you had an incredible experience. I love birds of prey, they are incredible creatures.

I did, words can not describe how I feel. I have always wanted to hold a bird of prey, but have never felt brave enough. I think it is down to Steve, that I thought I can do this and I will do it for him. He has already helped me overcome my fear of spiders, the next thing is snakes.

It is quite strange though that when I overcame my fear of spiders and holding the Eagle Owl, I had my Australia Zoo hat on that I got when I adopted Graham the croc.

The fact that you were wearing the hat shows you were thinking of Steve and I bet he was with you helping you overcome your fear

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I think you are right, whenever I wear my cap I feel as though I can achieve anything. I will be wearing it with pride in Iceland and I will spread the word whilst I am out there.