Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne

Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne

Thousands of Victorians died while serving the country in the First World War (1914 - 1918). 19,000 of the 89,100 Victorians serving overseas did not return. To show their gratitude for the 114,000 men and women who served and defended the country, the Victorians wanted to build them a war memorial - the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne. Stories of courage and sacrifice are etched in its walls and there are not many museums in Australia that evoke such powerful emotions.

After the First World War, Australia underwent unemployment and financial crisis and therefore the decision to build an expensive memorial was faced with criticism. But out of respect and honor to their soldiers, the people of Victoria went ahead with the memorial.

The huge amount for the construction of the Shrine of Remembrance, Australia was raised within six months of the appeal in 1928. The Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne was built between July 1928 and November 1934. 300,000 people were present during the opening of the memorial by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester.

Features:

The design proposed by two war veterans, Philip Hudson and James Wardrop, was selected for the Shrine of Remembrance. Inspiration for the exterior of the Shrine was drawn from the mausoleum at Harlicarnassus to Mausolus, who was the king of Caria in South West Asia Minor.

The Exteriors:

The Ceremonial Entrance with the northern steps is used as an entrance to the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne. The 16 battle honors in the form of stone disc, granted by King George V, are set on the banister of the steps that lead to the portico. Eight Doric columns support the porticos on top of the northern and southern entrances to the Shrine and on top of the pyramid is the bronze Symbol of Glory. The central pyramid is encircled by two external promenades one of which can be accessed through the stairs inside the Shrine. The east and the west walls, each framed by two buttresses, contain the inscription depicting the love and respect of the people towards the soldiers who served the country in hour of need.

The Crypt:

The nine meters square crypt, nearly eight meters below the Sanctuary contain the names of the army and navy units that took part in the First World War. Enlisted here are also the names of the ships that were lost in the war.

The Forecourt:

The Forecourt, dedicated by Queen Elizabeth II to those who served in the Second World War, replaced the reflecting pool of the original design. In front of the 12.5-meter high cenotaph in the Forecourt is the Eternal Flame that was lighted by Queen Elizabeth II in February 1954. The Australian flag and the state and service flags fly high in rotation on the three flagpoles in the Forecourt.

The Remembrance Garden:

Beneath the western face of the Shrine is the Remembrance Garden added in 1985 to honor those who served in the post-World War conflicts and the granite wall enlists the name of the wars in which Australia herself was involved.

Remembrance Day:

The First World War ended on November 11, 1918. Originally called Armistice Day, after the Second World War it was renamed the Remembrance Day and honors those killed in both the wars. On this day Victoria’s leaders join the members of the Shrine community at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne to mark the day.

Located in St Kilda Road, Melbourne, the Shrine of Remembrance is one of the largest war memorials in Australia and is one of the most important of the Melbourne museums and certainly one of the major Melbourne tourist attractions. Do not give it a slip while visiting Melbourne.

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