Beneath the Eternal Flame flickers stories of courage sacrifice. We stand before the Shrine of Remembrance. It is a war memorial in Brisbane’s ANZAC Square. It honors the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. They are known as the Anzacs.
The Shrine of Remembrance is a major landmark. It has cultural architectural and historic importance. The Shrine hosts ceremonies for ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day each year. A service commemorates the Fall of Singapore. It remembers the 8th Division’s losses during World War II.
Funds were raised by the public. They wanted a memorial for fallen soldiers in World War I. Sydney architects Buchanan and Cowper won a 1928 design competition. They proposed a Greek Revival structure. It took two years to build. Governor John Goodwin dedicated it on Armistice Day in 1930.
Buchanan & Cowper designed it in the Greek Classic Revival style. The Shrine of Remembrance columns are built of Helidon sandstone. The Eternal Flame burns in a brass urn. Queensland granite makes up the steps. The 18 columns symbolize 1918. That was the year hostilities ceased.
The Shrine of Remembrance has a lower-level crypt. It holds the World War I and World War II Memorial Galleries. Memorial plaques honor Australian regiments. They fought during these campaigns. Artist Don Ross created a large mosaic mural. A World War I memorial sculpture adorns the Shrine of Memories external wall.
In 2014 structural repair works began. It was a partnership between the Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government.
Each year on ANZAC Day a Dawn memorial service is held here. Wreaths are laid around the Eternal Flame. It is in memory of those who died in conflict. A memorial service also occurs on Remembrance Day. Again wreaths are laid at the Eternal Flame.
The Shrine commemorates approximately 60000 Queensland men and women. They enlisted in World War One. It also commemorates those who served in World War Two. It remembers those who died in service in both wars.
In May 1930 Governor Sir John Goodwin unveiled a bronze tablet. The Lord Mayor said the memorial would be completed in September. His Excellency said the memorial honored 9074 Queenslanders. They gave their lives. They left for distant lands to uphold their country’s honor.
In November 1930 Armistice Day celebrations included the dedication of a national Anzac Memorial. Thousands saw the Governor light the Eternal Flame. It would burn eternally.
A $21.98 million upgrade to ANZAC Square was announced in 2014. The Eternal Flame was removed during the works. The restoration project was completed in August 2019.
The Shrine of Remembrance stands as a testament. It reflects the enduring spirit of remembrance. It calls us to honor the sacrifices of the past. May we never forget their courage and dedication.