Australian tribute to terror victims

Australia's tourism industry has been hit hard by the post-Sept. 11 travel climate

SYDNEY, Australia (CNN) -- The United States flag is flying at full mast atop the Sydney Harbor Bridge for the first-ever time as an Australian tribute to those killed and affected by the September 11 attacks.

The flag was raised at midnight on the Sydney landmark and on Monday morning was saluted by a group of New York City emergency workers who had climbed the 134 meter high (415 feet) arch of the bridge to mark the six-month anniversary of the attacks.

The 27-strong group of New York fire fighters, police and families are visiting New South Wales state in Australia for a week on an all-expenses paid vacation organized by the NSW tourism industry.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard said Monday it was a fitting time for Australia to again express its sympathy to the U.S. for the loss of life.

"The attacks were an act of barbarity," he said.

"They touched a deep chord of feeling amongst all Australians for the people of the United States. We understood instinctively that our values were also assaulted on September 11.

VIDEO A group of New York rescue workers visits Sydney as part of an Australian tribute to the victims of September 11 (March 11) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)    CNN.com Asia More news from our Asia edition

"And of course we too lost loved ones. Today we remember them."

Howard said that since the attacks, Americans had demonstrated their ability to defend their values and way of life.

Australian solidarity with the US was demonstrated by the bravery of Australian troops who were fighting alongside Americans in Afghanistan, Howard said.

The vacation for New York emergency workers was an initiative of the New South Wales Tourism Task Force and includes a State reception and visits to the Sydney Olympic site and to a wine-growing region.

All the events were arranged and donated by the NSW tourism industry, with organizers saying they were overwhelmed with offers to host the visitors.

Australia's tourism industry has been hit hard by the post September 11 slump in travel, and hopes that the publicity surrounding the emergency workers' trip will prompt some Americans to consider a vacation Down Under.

Tourist arrivals to Australia in January 2002 were down 9.6 percent on the previous year, but operators are suggesting the slump may now have bottomed out as people gradually overcome their fear of flying.