How about stepping back in time to 1918? A war memorial in Melbourne was proposed then. It would later become the Shrine of Remembrance.
The Shrine of Remembrance stands as a solemn tribute. It honors Australians who have served in war. Originally, it commemorated the men and women of Victoria in World War I. Now it embraces all Australians.
The Shrine of Remembrance is located in Kings Domain. You will find it on St Kilda Road. It serves as a site for annual observances. Anzac Day on 25 April sees many gather here. Remembrance Day on 11 November is also significant. It stands as one of Australia’s largest war memorials.
Phillip Hudson and James Wardrop designed the Shrine. Both were World War I veterans. Their design drew inspiration from classical styles. The Tomb of Mausolus at Halicarnassus served as a base. The Parthenon in Athens also lent inspiration. The ziggurat roof’s crowning element nods to the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates.
Tynong granite forms the Shrine’s robust structure. Initially, it comprised only the central sanctuary. The ambulatory surrounded it. Inside the sanctuary lies the Stone of Remembrance. The words “Greater love hath no man” are engraved upon it. Each year on 11 November at 11 a.m. sunlight illuminates the word “Love”. This happens via an aperture in the roof. Below the sanctuary lies the crypt. Here, a bronze statue depicts a soldier father and son. Panels list every unit of the Australian Imperial Force.
The Shrine’s development was prolonged. It began in 1918 with a proposal for a Victorian memorial. Two committees formed. The second committee launched a design competition. The winner was announced in 1922. Keith Murdoch and the Herald Sun opposed the proposal. This forced a design rethink. Alternatives were proposed. Anzac Square and a cenotaph were suggested in 1926. General Sir John Monash rallied support for the Shrine. He used the 1927 Anzac Day march to do so. The Victorian government supported the Shrine later that year. The foundation stone was laid on 11 November 1927. The Shrine was officially dedicated on 11 November 1934.
Controversy surrounded the Shrine. Some criticized it as a tomb of gloom. Others found it too severe. Some Christian churches deemed it pagan. They noted its lack of Christian symbols.
After World War II, additions were made. They commemorated the war dead of the second conflict. A competition led to the World War II Forecourt. The Eternal Flame was added. A 12.5-metre cenotaph was erected. Queen Elizabeth II dedicated these additions in 1954. Inscriptions commemorate later conflicts. The Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War are remembered.
In 1985, the Remembrance Garden was added. It honors those who served post World War II.
Materials were sourced from within Australia. Granodiorite came from Tynong. Sandstone came from Redesdale. Black marble came from Buchan.
Sixteen stone battle honors discs surround the Shrine. They commemorate Australia’s contributions. Battles include Gallipoli, Sari Bair and Gaza-Beersheba.
Inside, the Sanctuary features sixteen Ionic columns. Relief panels depict the armed services in World War I. Forty-two bronze caskets hold Books of Remembrance. They list Victorians who served in World War I.
Beneath the Sanctuary, the Crypt contains a statue of a father and son. Panels list every unit of the AIF.
Visitors approach via the Entrance Courtyard. “Lest We Forget” is inscribed on one wall. A quote from Sir William Deane is on the other. The Garden Courtyard features the Legacy Olive Tree.
The Shrine of Remembrance is a lasting symbol. It embodies sacrifice and remembrance.