One of the veteran quotations on this Anzac Parade memorial reads:
WHAT WE DID ON THE BATTLEFIELD IN THE MORNING WAS ON OUR LIVING ROOM TV SCREENS THAT NIGHT
Continue reading “Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial”
Australian National Korean War Memorial
A plaque within this memorial, on ANZAC Parade, provides a brief history of the Korean War and Australia’s involvement there-in. I reproduce that in full here for the interest of readers of this page. Continue reading “Australian National Korean War Memorial”
Australian Army National Memorial
This memorial, on Anzac Parade is dedicated to the all ‘Diggers’ – the Australian Army – who have fought on numerous fronts since the unified Australian Army was formed in 1901. Continue reading “Australian Army National Memorial”
Australian Hellenic Memorial
This memorial on Anzac Parade primarily commemorates the dead of two WWII campaigns but is also dedicated to those who died on Greek soil in WWI. Continue reading “Australian Hellenic Memorial”
ANZAC Parade – Memorials
Anzac Parade is Canberra’s main ceremonial avenue forming part of the Burley Griffin axis joining Mount Ainslie summit, the Australian War Memorial and the Old and New Houses of Parliament. Continue reading “ANZAC Parade – Memorials”
National Aboriginal War Memorial or Not?
Each year on ANZAC Day (25 April) thousands of veterans, serving personnel and members of the general public attend the dawn service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra to remember those who have served and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for Australia in various wars and conflicts down the ages.
When the dawn service is over a small group of veterans and others make their way into the bush to a small clearing on the slopes of Mt Ainslie some 300 metres behind the War Memorial. Continue reading “National Aboriginal War Memorial or Not?”
Bellona – The Offensive Goddess
Dear Reader – let me tell you a story – a story of Canberra’s first statue and war memorial.
In 1916 sculptor Bertram Mackennal, unable to sell this sculpture – entitled War or Bellona – Goddess of War – decided to offer it as a gift to Australia as a tribute to Australian solders in WWI (especially the ANZACs). It was accepted but it took five years before Prime Minister Hughes sent a thank-you letter – five years during which Bellona lay hidden in a Melbourne celler. Continue reading “Bellona – The Offensive Goddess”
War Memorial – Sculpture Garden
The Sculpture Garden found around the Australian War Memorial was established in January 1999 with the aim of offering a place for quiet contemplation of the sacrifice of the many Australians who have died in war. It does this very well. Continue reading “War Memorial – Sculpture Garden”
World War One Dioramas
For me, the Australian War Memorial’s WWI dioramas are one of the highlights of a visit to the Memorial and, indeed, so successful have they been with visitors that the Memorial has commissioned additional dioramas on other campaigns including two on the Korean War. Continue reading “World War One Dioramas”
Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier
Pride of place in the Australian War Memorial’s beautiful and tranquil Hall of Memory goes to the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.
The idea to entomb an unknown soldier in Australia was first put forward in the 1920s after Britain had interred its unknown soldier at Westminster Abbey and the French had done likewise at the Arc de Triomphe. The idea did not come to fruition until 1993 when the remains of an unknown Australian solder were brought home to this, his final resting place. Continue reading “Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier”
The Rambling Wombat 