A silent sentinel stands. It is a stoic reminder of sacrifice. This is the Local 1914-1918 War Memorial. It is a tribute to those who served in World War I.
Pause for a moment. Consider the weight of those years. The Local 1914-1918 War Memorial stands as a testament. It is a testament to local lives lost and forever changed.
Melbourne proposed a war memorial as soon as the war ended in 1918. The Victorian state government appointed a committee. Sir Baldwin Spencer chaired it. They recommended an arch of victory over St Kilda Road. This was the major boulevard. It led out of Melbourne to the south.
In August 1921, an executive committee formed. General Sir John Monash was its driving force. The committee abandoned the arch idea. They proposed a large memorial east of St Kilda Road. This position would make it visible from the city center.
A competition launched in March 1922. It sought a design for the new memorial. It was open to British subjects residing in Australia. It was also open to Australian citizens residing overseas. 83 entries were submitted. In December 1923, the design by Phillip Hudson and James Wardrop won. Both were Melbourne architects and war veterans.
The winning design had supporters. Publications like The Age and Building liked it. Prominent citizens also supported it. Norman Lindsay and Leslie Wilkinson were among them. The Royal Australian Institute of Architects was also involved.
Criticism arose. Keith Murdoch’s Herald described the Shrine as a tomb of gloom. They thought it too severe and expensive. The Herald suggested spending funds on practical projects. A hospital or war widows’ home were options. Some churches deemed it pagan. It lacked a cross or Christian element.
The Victorian Labor government of 1924 favored a memorial hospital. When a new government took over, plans shifted. They leaned toward an arch of victory. Delays postponed construction. A temporary cenotaph was raised for the 1926 Anzac Day march. The government proposed a permanent cenotaph in ANZAC Square. This plan involved demolishing the Windsor Hotel.
Monash and Legacy supported the Local 1914-1918 War Memorial. Legacy started a public relations campaign. It gained media support. In 1927, Prince Albert visited. Monash spoke at the RSL dinner. He argued for the Shrine. Supporters in the audience gave a standing ovation. This created a groundswell of support. A vote favored the memorial proposal.
Monash led 30000 veterans in the 1927 ANZAC Day march. The Age and The Argus supported the Shrine. The government decided in favor of the memorial.
Another debate concerned a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The St Kilda RSL wanted to bury a soldier from Gallipoli or France. Monash opposed this. He felt it unsuitable for the Victorian Shrine. The Stone of Remembrance was placed where an Unknown Soldier might have been.
The foundation stone was laid on 11 November 1927. Public contributions funded most of the cost. Monash was chief fundraiser. He oversaw construction. He died in 1931 before completion.
Work finished in September 1934. The Shrine was dedicated on 11 November 1934. The Duke of Gloucester officiated. Over 300000 people attended.
After World War II, additions commemorated the war dead of the second conflict. The World War II Forecourt was built. It featured the Eternal Flame. It also had the World War II Memorial. Queen Elizabeth II dedicated these in 1954. Inscriptions commemorate later wars.
Today, the Local 1914-1918 War Memorial stands. It is a symbol of remembrance. It is a place for reflection and gratitude. Remember those who served. Remember their sacrifices. The Local 1914-1918 War Memorial ensures their stories live on.