We never tire of visiting The Australian War Memorial which is Australia's national memorial to the members of its armed forces and supporting organisations who have died or participated in wars involving the Commonwealth of Australia. The memorial includes an extensive national military museum. The Australian War Memorial was opened in 1941, and is widely regarded as one of the most significant memorials of its type in the world.
The Memorial is located in Australia's capital, Canberra. It is the north terminus of the city's ceremonial land axis, which stretches from Parliament House on Capital Hill along a line passing through the summit of the cone-shaped Mount Ainslie to the northeast. No continuous roadway links the two points, but there is a clear line of sight from the front balcony of Parliament House to the War Memorial, and from the front steps of the War Memorial back to Parliament House.
The Australian War Memorial consists of three parts: the Commemorative Area (shrine) including the Hall of Memory with the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, the Memorial's galleries (museum) and Research Centre (records). The Memorial also has an outdoor Sculpture Garden. The Memorial is currently open daily from 10am until 5pm, except on Christmas Day.
Many people include Anzac Parade as part of the Australian War Memorial because of the Parade's physical design leading up to the War Memorial, but it is maintained separately by the National Capital Authority.
Looking from the AWM to Parliament House.
This huge gum tree is located to the side of the AWM and for many Canberran's over the years at dawn on 25 April - ANZAC DAY - they stand under this tree, freezing as it is winter and remember those who have made the supreme sacrifice and those who continue to fight for the freedoms we enjoy today.
At the moment the AWM has on display images from WW1. Following is some of what is on this display. It is very touching and makes us very proud to be Australian.
The AWM has many displays and following is just a sample which is on display.
Our first Nation people's support to their Country.
Peacekeepers
Rwanda, where Beverley and her colleagues served 1994-1995. This display is very graphic and is never shown to children.
The loss of soldiers.
The camp names.
Simpson and his donkey. John (Jack) Simpson Kirkpatrick (6 July 1892 – 19 May 1915), who served under the name John Simpson, was a stretcher bearer with the 1st Australian Division during the Gallipoli Campaign in World War I. After landing at Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915, Simpson began to use donkeys to provide first aid and carry wounded soldiers to the beach, for evacuation. Simpson and the donkeys continued this work for three and a half weeks, often under fire, until he was killed, during the Third attack on Anzac Cove. "Simpson and his Donkey" are a part of the "Anzac legend".
Centurion tank.
Many countries have memorials to their fallen and to those who continue to serve. If you ever get to visit the AWM you will need lots of time and a box of tissues.
Australia is still a young country compared to Europe, USA etc. However, as a country which started off as a convict settlement it continues to remember those who have fought for its continued way of life.
Cheers,
B and R
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