AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIALStory and Photos by Darren B. Azeez |
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As a young Canadian the image of war is immortalized in stories, and I must rely on historical data and artifacts to remind me of the many young soldiers who fought for freedom, something we all take for granted today.
The Australian War Memorial is a testament to the bravery of the men and women who served in the war. On the outside the field has many statues that commemorate the wondrous acts of bravery by Australian men and women during the major conflicts of the 20th Century. The walls of the building are rich with history. From the two world wars to the continuing efforts in Timor there is evidence that Australia is working towards world peace. The displays in the Memorial are richly detailed, a rare sight to my eyes. |
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The bronze and copper sculptures in all of the war halls seem almost life-like clearly defining the roles of Australians in war, armed conflict and peacekeeping. The interactive exhibits resonate with true-life experiences as told by soldiers in their own words. There are many computer screens that provide an accurate timeline of events, how and when and why it all happened.
I found the galleries in the memorial astonishing, so vivid that you almost imagine you are keeping pace alongside some of the soldiers in the war. This is a place of reflection and commemoration that serves to remind us of the sacrifice borne by brave men and women, in the hope that war will be a distant memory for all of us.
Online public access to the Memorial's archival printed, film, photograph, sound and art database is available during opening hours. More than 186,000 photographs and works of art are available on the Memorial website, and you can also search the Roll of Honor, the Commemorative Roll, official and private records, film, sound and book titles. If anything, you will walk out of the Australian War Memorial with a renewed sense of value for the life we have today. I know I did. COMING SOON!
Prominent exhibits will be the Japanese midget submarine that was recovered from Sydney Harbor, the restored "G for George" Lancaster bomber aircraft, the Mark IV First World War tank, and numerous vehicles and armaments dating back to the colonial years and Vietnam. The concept will be an "object theater" (imagine listening to spellbinding Australian war stories, surrounded by the tools of war!) | ||
The extensive displays and research facilities have won the Memorial international acclaim. I'm reluctant to single out some sections, but in my opinion the gut-wrenching reality of it all is forever entrenched in my brain - the Hall of Memory, the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier and the Pool of Reflection. I am moved not only by the scenes before me, but by the appreciation for life. And most of all, as I pause at the Roll of Honour, looking over the list of over 102,000 Australians who lost their lives in the war.
In April 2001 ANZAC Hall will showcase the Memorial's huge technology collection, a result of an $11.9 million grant from the Commonwealth Government Centenary of Federation Fund.