What was the word that was written in lights on the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the 2000 Olympics, and why was that particular word used?

Senior Moments

The word was ETERNITY. http://www.wesleymission.org.au/publications/eternity/eternity.htm "Inside the largest bell at the old Sydney Post Office on Martin Place is a word written in yellow chalk. It appeared in about 1963. The 'i' has almost vanished, but the word 'Eternity' can still be seen." Sydney Morning Herald, Dec 1999 The word Eternity, always written in copperplate handwriting with a flourish on the 'E', and underlined by the tail of the 'y', has fascinated Sydney-siders for almost seventy years. There are two sides to the story. It is, on one hand, the story of Arthur Stace, a man who was a petty criminal, a bum, a metho' drinker between the First World War and the great depression. This is, of course, quite a uniquely Australian profile for a hero. This is a country that invariably favours underdogs; one, which, against all history, romanticises its bush ranging, convict past; one which (often) applauds its non-conformists, and one, which likes a drink. Arthur Stace wrote that word, in that elegant copperplate, in chalk and in crayon, for thirty-seven years, on the sidewalks of Sydney -- over half a million times. No one knew who he was, and he preferred it that way. The mystery grew: the word had evident spiritual overtones -- it was called a one word sermon -- who was writing it, and why? But no one knew, for years and years. Dec 16 03, 3:01 AM