AP Photo/Steve Holland, POOL
The Australian prime minister was there to pay tribute. On video came speeches by Hollywood stars such as Russell Crowe and Cameron Diaz. But at the public memorial in Australia on Sept. 20 for "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, the most memorable voice was that of his 8-year-old daughter, Bindi, shown here with mother Terri and little brother Bob.
AP Photo/Steve Holland, POOL
Bindi, daughter of the Australian environmentalist and television personality, took center stage, greeted with a standing ovation and cheers of encouragement from a throng of 5,000 friends and family at the at the "Crocoseum," the small stadium in Irwin's wildlife park where he regularly put on crocodile-feeding shows. She showed no signs of nervousness.
GETTY IMAGES/Steve Holland, Pool
Here is what Bindi said:
"My daddy was my hero. He was always there for me when I needed him. He listened to me and taught me so many things, but most of all, he was fun. I know that Daddy had an important job. He was working to change the world so everyone would love wildlife like he did."
AP Photo/Dave Hunt, POOL
Bindi's farewell continued:
"He built a hospital to help animals and he bought lots of land to give animals a safe place to live. He took me and my brother and my mum with him all the time. We filmed together, caught crocodiles together, and loved being in the bush together. I don't want Daddy's passion to ever end. I want to help endangered wildlife just like he did."
AP Photo/Steve Holland, POOL
Bindi concluded:
"I had the best daddy in the whole world and I will miss him every day. When I see a crocodile, I will always think of him, and I know that Daddy made this zoo so everyone could come and learn to love all the animals. Daddy made this place his whole life. Now it's our turn to help, Daddy. Thank you."
AP Photo/Dave Hunt, POOL
Terri Irwin, center, wife of Steve Irwin, sat with Bindi, at left, and son, Bob, during the memorial service Sept. 20, 2006. It was the family's first public appearance since Irwin's death Sept. 4.
GETTY IMAGES/Dave Hunt, POOL
Terri Irwin, center, and her two children are joined by family friend Wes Mannion, at right, during Steve Irwin's memorial service Sept. 20.
GETTY IMAGES/Dave Hunt, POOL
Demonstrating the family love of animals, Bindi pauses to say hello to an elephant at her father's memorial service.
