Watson Family Visit-Day 5, Part 2

From Parliament House, we went to the opposite end of the ANZAC Parade to the War Memorial. 

The Australian War Memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. The Memorial's purpose is to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australians who have died in war. Here we are entering the Commemorative Courtyard with the Pool of Reflection.

The Discovery Zone was a fun, interactive learning area for the kids. It included a trench on the Western Front in France from the First World War, the Australian home front during the Second World War, an Iroquois helicopter hovering in a field in Vietnam, an Oberon Class submarine, searching for enemy targets and a peacekeeping mission in a war-ravaged community.

                                     

                                     

We could have spent much more time here, but with limited time before the closing ceremony, we only had time for a few of the halls and galleries.

The Hall of Memory, set above the Pool of Reflection, is the heart of the Australian War Memorial. It can only be reached by walking past the names of the 102,000 who have given their lives in the service of this country. Here you stand by the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.  The Hall of Memory houses one of the largest single mosaics in the world.

There are stained-glass windows on three sides of the Hall of Memory, each window divided into five panels. Each of the fifteen panels features a figure in the uniform and equipment of the First World War, and typifies one of the quintessential qualities displayed by Australians in war: Personal qualities: Resource, Candour, Devotion Curiosity & Independence; Social qualities: Comradeship, Ancestry, Patriotism, Chivalry & Loyalty;and  Fighting qualities of youth and enterprise: Coolness, Control, Audacity, Endurance & Decision

The inspiration for the pillars comes from an ancient world view that persists today: each represents one of the four basic elements that symbolize every aspect of creation: Air, Fire, Earth and Water

                                

While stained glass windows were dedicated to the First World War, the Second World War was to be commemorated in the wall mosaics: Women’s Services, Navy, Army &  Airforce

At the end of each day the Memorial farewells visitors with its moving Last Post Ceremony. The ceremony begins with the singing of the Australian National Anthem, followed by the poignant strains of a Lament, played by a piper. Visitors are invited to lay wreaths and floral tributes beside the Pool of Reflection. The Roll of Honour in the Cloisters lists the names of more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations over more than a century. At each ceremony the story behind one of these names will be told. The Ode is then recited, and the ceremony ends with the sounding of the Last Post. It was a very moving ceremony.

                                      

                                     

                                     

Along the walls in the cloisters is the Roll of Honour-inscribed in bronze the names of virtually every Australian who has died in war since 1885 – more than 102,000 people. Australia is one of the few nations able to name its war dead so completely.

After leaving the War Memorial, we checked into our accommodation and grabbed dinner.  We had great burgers and tried their regular fries along with their sweet potato and zucchini fries.

We ended our day with an evening drive to the Mount Ainslie Summit.  We were thrilled to find several kangaroos on the drive up.

We got to watch a beautiful sun set over the capitol city.

                                     

We drove past the War Memorial and Parliament House on our way back to our apartment to see them lit up at night.