Commemoration of World War One
In the (nearly) 100 years since the end of the war, Australian people have remembered the sacrifices of the Australians who served and died in World War One. For families too far away to attend a funeral service or see the burial plot, this provided some comfort. It has also helped people of later generations to understand the experiences of those who fought.
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day is a day to remember and show respect for those Australians who died in wars fought for Australia.
On Remembrance Day, there is the one minute’s silence at 11 am and wreath-laying ceremonies at local and national war memorials. Wearing a red poppy is another Remembrance Day tradition.
ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day remembers that acrifices and mateship shown by ANZAC soldiers, and takes place each year on the anniversary of the Gallipoli landing: 25 April.
The dawn services that are now an Anzac Day tradition began in 1923.
Another part of Anzac Day is the Anzac Day march, where men and women who have served in wars march through the streets of towns and cities lined with spectators wanting to pay their respects.
The Australian War Memorial, Canberra
Australia’s wartime losses have beenhonoured and commemorated permanently with the Australian War Memorials. It includes the Roll of Honour and the Commemorative Roll (lists of those who died in the war or from war wounds later) and has visual displays depicting the day-to-day experiences of those who fought.
The RSL
The Returned and Services League (RSL) was started in 1916, because returned soldiers wanted to keep in contact with wartime mates and to continue the feelings of friendship they had developed through living and fighting side by side.
The RSL has been active ever since, maintaining links among veterans and making sure their war efforts are remembered and respected.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission
This organisation looks after the graves and memorials of all those from Commonwealth countries who served in World War One (and in wars since).
Tourist Trips
Many Australians visit World War One sites in Turkey, France and Belgium, where Australians fought during World War One.
TASK: Design a memorial that could honour the ANZACS. Think about what values they had and demostrated in the trenches and the battlefields of Gallipoli and the Western Front.
To get ideas, you might want to google ‘war memorials’ and then click on images.
When you have finished designing your memorial, justify your choices.