War Memorials

It is human nature to feel the need to recognise the profound losses and achievements of war.

War memorials fill this need and invite us—challenge us—to remember and learn.

What is a war memorial? They may take many forms, but common to all is the intention that they remind us of those we have lost to war.
Australian War Memorial Australia's landmark national war memorial was the first anywhere to be a shrine, museum and repository of records at all once. It continues to expand today.
State memorials After the First World War each Australian State and Territory was moved to develop a principal shrine where major commemorative ceremonies have been held ever since.
Regional memorials Every Australian community has a war memorial for commemoration within easy reach. If yours doesn't, a grant may be available to raise one.
Overseas memorials Battle exploit and divisional memorials, memorials at former POW camps and at other significant sites are amongst the official memorials in the care of the Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG).
Visit a memorial or cemetery A few pointers before you set off on your own personal commemoration.
Maintenance & restoration of memorials Find out who maintains a particular war memorial, or if you may be eligible for a grant to restore one.

 

It is not only for ourselves that we have erected this visible remembrance of great deeds, but rather that those who come after us and have not experienced the horrors of war, or realised the wanton destruction and utter futility of it all, may be inspired to devise some better means to settle international disputes other than by international slaughter.
His Excellency, the Governor Sir Alexander Hore-Ruthven, at the unveiling of the SA National War Memorial, 25 April 1931.

See also:

Diggers standing near the 'Courage' pillar at the dedication of the Isurava Memorial, August 2002, PNG

Diggers standing near the 'Courage' pillar at the dedication of the Isurava Memorial, August 2002, PNG.

Peace vessel by Peter Rushforth & view from the contemplation deck at Hellfire Pass Memorial, Thailand

Peace vessel by Peter Rushforth & view from the contemplation deck at Hellfire Pass Memorial, Thailand.