Shrine of Remembrance

Today we took a trip into Melbourne to explore The Shrine of Remembrance.

On our walk up to the Shrine we discovered a memorial to Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop 1907-1993

 After having a look and a read we continued our way up the road crossed Anzac Avenue and up to The Shrine.

Together we walked through The Shrine Reserve and enjoyed the Remembrance Trees and gardens.  There are 100 trees on 13 hectares of land.  We passed the Flags of Remembrance which are located on the eastern arm of the Second World War Forecourt and consists of three flagstaffs. This is where the final ceremonial activity of each days takes place at the Shrine.  At 5 pm the flags are lowered and the Last Post bugle call is played.

We decided to partake in the Summer School Holiday Program (which runs until 27 January 2013) and do the Shrine Remembrance Children's Tour.

First stop was at the information desk to collect our booklet.  It is full wonderful bits of information and takes you on a nine station tour of the Shrine exploring and discovering all sorts of information.

As we walked through the courtyard we explored the walls which are in the shape of trenches and upon the wall we read "Lest We Forget" As we walked into the Shrine we came upon the Gallery of Medals.  This wall has 4 000 medals which represent Victorians who have served as well as those who have died. We also learned about the Victorian Cross and that only 98 have been awarded to Victorians since 1856.

The next two stations were The Changi Flag and The Crypt where we saw the Father and Son statue as well as the 'colours' of World War I and World War II.

Our next station was The Sanctuary where we watched a reenactment of what happens on Remembrance Day every year on the 11 November at 11 am. The sun shines through a hole in the roof and moves across the Stone of Remembrance upon which the words "Greater Love hath No Man" are inscribed.  Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the armistice which ended the Great War and is in memory of those who have suffered, served or died in all wars. 

Next we visited the balcony and the children enjoyed exploring the nooks and crannies.

It was a wonderful day and we really enjoyed our time here. The exterrior is also filled with meaning and history.

If you are studying Australian History I recommend the Lest We Forget Virtual Australian First World War Museum and The Shrine of Remembrance website.

"ANZAC is not merely about loss

it is about courage and endurance

and duty and love of country,

and mateship, and good humour

and the survival of a sense of self-worth

and decency in the face of dreadful odds."

-The Shrine of Remembrance-

Blessings