Bindi Irwin speaks at dad Steve's memorial service

Bindi Irwin, only 8 years old, spoke in front of millions of people today at a memorial service to honor her father, Steve Irwin.

CBB reader Elizabeth gives us a recap, saying, "His daughter Bindi just came on stage and read a message, praising her Dad and his work and pledging to continue his work.

Mum Teri was in the audience holding little Bob and holding back tears, but Bindi was incredibly brave, and spoke in a big strong voice, with no tears."

You can read the speech here, or watch Bindi deliver it on video here. There also a Bindi slideshow, with photos of her since infancy, here.

The family held a private funeral for Steve on September 9th. Today’s memorial service was held at the Australia Zoo, with one seat left empty for Steve, a hat he always wore holding his place.

Photo Source: News.com.au

Thanks to CBB readers Elizabeth and Corinne.

Comments

Her eulogy was amazing…that kid is her father’s daughter. God bless the family. The thing I think that is so bittersweet about the entire tragedy is that his family has many, many videos of Steve saying how much he loved them, how much they were his life, etc. Not too many kids or spouses have those memories recorded….

He was a passionate conservationist, yes, but I will actually remember him as a passionate father and husband, a true family man.

- BenBasset on September 19th, 2006

I just can’t think of anything more sad that has happend this year than this. I hope his family will find peace through all the wonderful memories of him that have been filmed, maybe their children will feel like they always knew him.

- Jody on September 19th, 2006

This breaks my heart. His daughter looks SO much like him in the picture of her speaking.

Tragic.

- OoSpoiled1 on September 19th, 2006

Bindi is the most adorable little girl I’ve ever seen and she looks just like her dad. I wish I could’ve been at the memorial service – but alas, I’m only a high school student living in the States so that was out of question. RIP, Steve.

- Madi on September 19th, 2006

OMG! What an awesome little girl!! She’s gonna do fine in life!! Aw, her little voice is so sweet!

- sara on September 19th, 2006

What a very brave little lady. I bet her papa is looking down on her from heaven with pride and love.

- Principesa on September 19th, 2006

It was such a nice memorial service.
I cried all the way through it.
I’m sure Steve would have loved it and how proud would he have been of Bindi.

- corinne on September 19th, 2006

I have never seen such a brave girl. Click on the link and watch the video of this smart and amazing child. We could all learn a thing or two about love, courage, and public speaking from her. I thought at first that Steve’s wife Terri might want her kids to stay away from wildlife from now on, but Bindi Sue wouldn’t let this happen. Cheers to her, and my family and I are sending love and prayers, through crying eyes.

- Mary Beth on September 19th, 2006

What a sweetheart! Does anyone know if they will be airing a rerun of the memorial service??

- Tracy on September 20th, 2006

What a brave girl. I’m sure Steve must be so proud of her. Look at her in that picture!

Hope she can continue his dad’s work, for conservation.

I’m praying for all of them…
Rest in Peace, Steve…

Adwina

- I'mSoProudOfTheGirl on September 20th, 2006

Wow. I just watched the video of her giving her speech; I have huge tears rolling down my cheeks. It was so touching. Her family must be so proud, her daddy too!

- gargoylegurl on September 20th, 2006

In the video you get to see his son for a few seconds. That was the sadest part for me ’cause my son is his same age. They even look alike. How sad and confused that little boy must be. They just don’t quite understand at that age. I just wanna go hug my son. I can’t imagine what I would do if my son lost his daddy. Poor Terri, bless her heart.

- Raelene on September 20th, 2006

It’s just endearing to see her reading at her father’s funeral. The man was well-loved by all. It’s just so heartbreaking all the same.

I wish his entire family well.♥

- FC on September 20th, 2006

she is a very brave little girl. and I feel utter compassion for her and the family….

but this artical seems to really bother me. scares me even

http://www.londonnet.co.uk/entertainment/2006/Sep/3347_20060915.php

bindi is going to be swiming in the same spot her dad was killed.

- sandy on September 20th, 2006

I lost my father in May and I know how devastating it was to me at 21, so I can’t even imagine what Bindi and Bob are going through at 8 and 2.
She did such an amazing job, I couldn’t have done that at my age now, much less at hers. What an amazing and beautiful little girl she is. My thoughts are prayers are with the whole family.

- Jen on September 20th, 2006

I love this family! I pray that god will be with them and help them to cope with thier loss. I have to agree with the first commentor. What a special thing to be able to have so many memories of Steve on video. Bindi is such a little sweet heart. I have always thought she was just the girl version of her father. I hope we still see and hear about Terri, Bindi and Bob often. Rip Steve. We love you and miss you.

- Alicia on September 20th, 2006

when she got up there, it just broke my heart. she’s a champion that girl. the memorial was beautifully done. Class act. Steve will live in on forever in those kids, his spirit and his works in the world of conservation will continue with them also.

*hearts*

- MeL on September 20th, 2006

Bindi is an amazing child. I hope we see a lot more of her in the future. She has her Dads passion for wildlife.
The passing of Steve is so tragic.

- Heavenly_Hibiscus on September 20th, 2006

All I can say is tears tears tears!! What a beautiful and smart little girl. I am sure Steve is looking on at her from somewhere and smiling.

- tink1217 on September 20th, 2006

I didn’t think that when I watched the clip that I’d cry, but I had tears streaming down my cheek. Bindi is a very brave little girl for speaking in front of everyone. You can tell that she loved her dad very much. I know that if her dad could have been there, then he would have been extremely proud of her. R.I.P Steve, we love you!!!

- Laura on September 20th, 2006

What an amazing beautiful smart brave little girl! My heart aches for that family. I still can’t believe Steve is gone. The saddest thing is baby Bob probably won’t have much memory of his father besides on video. But Bindi had 8 wondeful years with her hero. What a beautiful touching speech and I agree she’s going to take the zoo to places in the future. RIP Mr. Steve Irwin. You did a wonderful job raising two fine children.

- joy on September 20th, 2006

So sad…God Bless them!

- Yonni on September 20th, 2006

does anybody know if they will play the memorial again? My husband and I both wanted to see it and our dvr is not working properly so we did not get it.

- Tiffany on September 20th, 2006

OMG Why did I just watch that? I am 9 months PG, totally hormonal and that little girl just made me dissolve into tears..what a brave kid!!!

- Jen on September 20th, 2006

She did an amazing job. She’s only 8 but did anyone notice what an excellent reader she is? She didn’t stumble over one word and she didn’t have it memorized because she traced the words with her finger as she read. I think both Bindi and Robert look like Steve. He was so in love with those kids and his wife. So tragic. God bless them.

- Carol Lee on September 20th, 2006

I’m currently living in Perth (Western Australia), and have been keeping up with the news of Steve’s memorial service. I think everyone would agree that the service was perfectly done….just as Steve would have wanted it! I was a little saddened that Terri was still too distraught to speak at the service, but I think there was SO MUCH emotion in the air that it was too much for her to handle. The tears were there…and everywhere!

I think Bindi, being a real “daddy’s girl,” is indeed her mother’s “pillar of strength,” and I wouldn’t be surprised AT ALL if she becomes the next “wildlife warriors” ambassador.

Love you Bindi, Bob, and Terri! I will be visiting your zoo again at the end of the year with my husband and 3 year-old son. Looking forward to that even more now!

- Joy on September 20th, 2006

What a sweet little girl Bindi is. She is just like me ( Daddy’s little girl). She did such a good job with the speech, and I know she will be a very intelligent young woman later on in life. She is doing what she knows, and that is continuing on with the job her dad started together with them. I know he is going to be missed by them aw well as all of his fans. R.I.P Steve…

- Miranda Rainwater on September 29th, 2006

aww i heard that bindi speech i make cry wow i was listen her and i cry and laughter that coolz awsome .. peace bless with you

- gregory on September 30th, 2006