Ringwood Memorial Clocktower War memorial

Beneath the Ringwood Memorial Clocktower’s four faces, time marches on. But the memories etched into its stones stand still. The Ringwood Memorial Clocktower isn’t just a timepiece. It’s a living testament to the sacrifices made by the men and women of this district. It’s a story told in bronze and stone, a story that began nearly a century ago. The Ringwood Memorial Clocktower was first unveiled in 1928. It was a tribute to those who served in World War One. The names of the fallen from World War Two were later added, ensuring their sacrifice would never be forgotten. The Ringwood Memorial Clocktower stood as a silent sentinel, witnessing the changing landscape of Ringwood. As the town grew, the Clocktower became a traffic hazard at its original location on the corner of Whitehorse and Warrandyte Roads. In 1967, the Ringwood Memorial Clocktower was painstakingly deconstructed and rebuilt at its current location. It now stands proudly on the corner of Maroondah Highway and Wantirna Road, on the site of the former Coolstores. This relocation was not without controversy, but it ensured the Clocktower’s survival. The re-dedication ceremony was a grand affair. It was presided over by the Mayor of Ringwood and attended by military dignitaries. Plaques commemorating those who fell in Korea, Vietnam, Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and the Malay Peninsula were also added. Look closely at the Ringwood Memorial Clocktower. You’ll see more than just names and dates. You’ll see the echoes of a community’s grief and gratitude, a tribute to courage and sacrifice. The Clocktower is a reminder that even amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, we must never forget those who gave their all for our freedom.