Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park, Sydney

Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park

"Mirrored in Hyde Park's Pool of Reflection is this 1934 Art Deco monument built to commemorate Australia's WW1 dead. It now records the sacrifices made by thousands of Australians in subsequent conflicts. The Hall of Memory is on the upper level overlooking Raynor Hoff's moving statue, and the Hall of Silence is on the ground floor. A small museum on the ground floor features photographs and artifacts. Open 9am - 5pm daily."

 

One item not mentioned in the Top 10 Sydney blurb is that if you arrive at 11am you will be asked for silence as the Last Post is played and the Ode of Remembrance recited.

 

On the day I visited, I was heartened to see a few returned soldiers there with their families as well as several small groups of tourists. Everyone stopped and remained silent and respectful throughout the brief remembrance ceremony.

 

I've never understood how people can confuse these ceremonies with glorifying war. It's about remembering those who died during war. It's about being thankful and grateful (not only for those who sacrificed their lives and health by fighting but also for my husband and family of boys who have never had to go off to war). It's about hoping we never have to participate in a bloody, brutal, devastating world war ever again.

 

The Anzac Memorial is at the southern end of Hyde Park.

It was designed by Charles Bruce Dellit as a memorial and as a place to assist those who returned.

(Click on the link above if you'd like to read more about the history of the Memorial.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

       This post is also part of my personal Sydney Challenge.