Did you know this location is more than just a stone? It marks a place of deep remembrance. We’re standing before the WWI Memorial Stone. It is part of the National War Memorial. This memorial is in Wellington New Zealand. It is a place to remember those who sacrificed.
The National War Memorial remembers several conflicts. These include the South African War. It also remembers World Wars I and II. Wars in Korea Malaysia and Vietnam are remembered here too. The memorial was dedicated on Anzac Day in 1932.
The WWI Memorial Stone is one part of a larger complex. The War Memorial Carillon is another part. The Hall of Memories is here. The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior completes it. This tomb was constructed in 2004.
Look around and consider the history here. The government created a committee in 1919. This committee was for a National War Memorial. They allocated funds for it. There was much debate about the memorial’s form. Should it be a road? A cathedral? An arch? Eventually they agreed on a complex. It would include an art gallery a museum and the war memorial.
Local people formed a society in 1926. They wanted to raise money for bells. These bells would be for a carillon. The government hadn’t even decided on a design yet. Another group wanted a different memorial. This group raised funds for a cenotaph near Parliament. In 1928 the government agreed to the carillon idea. The bells had already been cast in London. The Carillon Society paid for them.
A competition was held in 1929. It was for plans for the war memorial. It also included the Dominion Museum and the National Art Gallery. Gummer and Ford won the competition. Work on the carillon finished in time for Anzac Day 1932. A crowd of 10000 people viewed the dedication. Dignitaries gave speeches. The Governor-General switched on the Lamp of Remembrance. The carillon played the national anthem. The crowd sang along. One newspaper described the sound as magic from the skies.
The Dominion Museum opened in 1936. Construction of the Hall of Memories was delayed. The Depression and World War II caused delays. Plans were prepared in 1937. Gummer and Ford submitted a new set in 1949. The project didn’t go to tender until 1960. A Christchurch firm won the tender. This firm also built the carillon tower. The Hall of Memories opened in 1964.
In 2004 the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior was added. This was to fulfil an earlier vision. Gummer’s original design included a tomb. It was never built due to economic issues. The Hall of Memories was added in 1963. The RSA suggested an Unknown Warrior. Many New Zealanders cannot pay respects at Westminster Abbey. That is where the Commonwealth tomb is. The Unknown Warrior represents all New Zealanders lost in war.
The carillon tower has an inscription. It is on the foundation stone. It mentions those who died in the Great War. It also honors those who served or suffered. The complex uses New Zealand stone. The carillon was clad in Putaruru stone. This stone weathered badly. It was replaced by Takaka marble in 1982.
The Hall of Memories has memorial alcoves. These are dedicated to different branches of the armed forces. A bronze statue is the focal point. It represents families left behind. Rolls of Honour list the names of fallen New Zealanders.
The National War Memorial Carillon was designed as a sister instrument. It is similar to the Peace Tower in Ottawa Canada. The carillon bells were made in England. Each bell has a name or inscription. They remember those who served. The largest bells are dedicated to Anzac Somme and Palestine. These were the main theaters of service. The carillon has been rebuilt and enlarged since 1984. It now has 74 bells.
The Unknown Warrior serves as a focus of remembrance. The remains were repatriated in 2004. The soldier’s details are unknown. He represents all New Zealanders lost to their families in war.
Take a moment to reflect on the WWI Memorial Stone. It is a powerful symbol of remembrance. It honors the sacrifices made for peace.