There is a long road between the War Memorial and Parliament House, interlocking the two. For you can't stand on the steps of one, without seeing the massive form of the other.
Parliament House as seen on the steps of the War Memorial. The long road holds small individual memorials to WWI, WWII, and Vietnam.
Inside there is a pool and an eternal flame to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice surrounded by a Roll Of Honor which consist of bronze panels inscribed with the names of men and women who died dating back to 1850 up to current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Family and friends leave red roses.
Once inside the Memorial we were exposed to magnificent maps, large scale dioramas, paintings, pictures, and artillery from the various Wars Australians have participated in. In one room there were 3 full size fighter jets from WWI and a few vehicles.
The Tomb Of The Unknown Australian Soldier is a humbling experience. School children are invited every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to a wreath ceremony and a conversation with a Veteran. This program is to keep the youth involved with their history.
It wasn't until after we left, I realized Australia is a country the size of the USA, but with less people than California populating it. They don't have a huge Army, but I have no doubt its honorable. I am very impressed with the monument the Australians have built with distinction and look forward to experiencing it again.
It is always sad to hear of a death, a life cut short from war. While in Australia the 18th Australian was killed in Afghanistan. His name was Jason Thomas Brown. I encourage you to read more about him here, for soon his name will be added to the bronze panels at the War Memorial.
