Australian-American Memorial – Bugs Bunny

This memorial is a vote of thanks to the United States for its assistance in World War II. The Memorial’s height and design make it one of Canberra’s best-known and most recognised monuments.

The dedication states:

In grateful remembrance
of the vital help given by the
United States of America during
the war in the Pacific 1941-1945.
Unveiled by
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
February 16, 1954

The memorial’s hollow octagonal column stands 73m tall and is made of aluminium sheeted panels mounted on a steel framework. The stylised American eagle (designed by sculptor Paul Beadle) and bronze sphere are about 11m high. On the base of the monument are two friezes, one relating the story of American combat in the Pacific and the other a profile map of the United States in copper. The column is surrounded by a water-filled moat about 3m wide. Under the dedication is a bronze wreath, carved by Walter Langcake, an Australian woodcarver and sculptor who specialised in ecclesiastical decorative arts. The wreath is in memory of those who died during World War II.

Russell Offices, headquarters of the Australian Defence Force and the Department of Defence, were subsequently developed around the memorial. Russell sits at one corner of the National Triangle, central to Walter Burley Griffin’s design for Canberra and the location is a key element in that design. It is interesting to note that original designs envisaged it being located on the centre axis between the Australian War Memorial and (Old) Parliament House – in the middle of where Lake Burley Griffin now sits.

America’s assistance during World War II was the start of what has become an enduring military relationship between the US and Australia.

The memorial is affectionately known as both The Eagle or Bugs Bunny. Take it from me, there is no need to visit it at three o’clock as there is no truth in the rumour that the eagle flaps its wings at that hour. Perhaps, though this really is a modern day Bugs Bunny supervising the operation of the Australian Defence Forces from on high.

Address: Field Marshal Sir Thomas Blamey Square, Russell
Directions: A short walk, via Kings Avenue, from Lake Burley Griffin – Take care crossing the road and keep to the footpaths as this is a busy and complicated (for Canberra) intersection.

This is my last CANBERRA – PARLIAMENTARY TRIANGLE NORTH OF THE LAKE  review.
For other Canberra reviews click HERE.