Remember those who served as we stand before the ANZAC Memorial War memorial. This memorial stands as a powerful reminder of sacrifice. It honors Australians who have served in wars. Originally, it commemorated Victorians killed in World War I. Now, it embraces all Australian service since 1901.
The ANZAC Memorial War memorial’s story began in 1918. It was after the First World War ended. People wanted a place to grieve and remember. Of 114000 Victorians enlisted 89000 served abroad. Sadly 19000 never returned home. The ANZAC Memorial War memorial became a sacred space for families. It also honored the courage of those who supported the war effort at home.
A design competition shaped the ANZAC Memorial War memorial. In fact, 83 designs were submitted by talented Australians. The winners were Phillip Hudson and James Wardrop. Both were Melbourne architects and returned soldiers. Their design drew inspiration from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The design announcement sparked public debate. It almost derailed the entire project.
Amidst financial difficulty, gratitude prevailed. The huge sum needed to build the ANZAC Memorial War memorial was raised quickly. It only took six months after the 1928 appeal.
Prince Henry, the Duke of Gloucester, opened the ANZAC Memorial War memorial in 1934. A crowd of 300000 people witnessed this event. Since then, additions have marked later generations’ service. These include the Second World War Memorial Forecourt. There is also the post-1945 memorial.
Let’s talk about the structure. The ANZAC Memorial War memorial is based on the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus and the Parthenon. The building material is Australian. Tynong granodiorite forms the exterior. Redesdale sandstone lines the internal walls. Black marble columns come from Buchan.
Inside the ANZAC Memorial War memorial lies the Sanctuary. Sixteen Ionic columns support a frieze. Lyndon Dadswell sculpted twelve relief panels. These depict armed services during World War I. At the center is the Stone of Remembrance.
The inscription reads “Greater love hath no man.” Sunlight shines on the word “Love” at 11 a.m. on November 11. This marks the Armistice hour that ended World War I. Daylight saving means a mirror redirects the light now.
Beneath the Sanctuary is the Crypt. It contains a statue of a father and son. They represent two generations of service. Panels list every unit of the AIF. The Crypt displays battle honors too.
The ANZAC Memorial War memorial is more than stone and structure. It stands within Kings Domain. Here lie other memorials, each with its own story. There is the Man with the Donkey statue. It represents the compassion of Australian soldiers.
Since 1934, the ANZAC Memorial War memorial has been central to war commemoration. Anzac Day and Remembrance Day see gatherings here. Dawn Services and wreath-laying ceremonies take place. They honor those who served.
The ANZAC Memorial War memorial is managed by the Shrine of Remembrance Trustees. They ensure its care and preservation. The Shrine Guard traditionally provided security. Today, they wear Light Horseman uniforms during ceremonies.
The ANZAC Memorial War memorial’s story continues. It evolves with each generation’s remembrance. It serves as a place of reflection. It also honors Australian service and sacrifice. We uphold the values of the original ANZACs.