We started the day breakfasting with our hosts and more elaboration on the wonderful trip that we had taken. Then it was time for us to unload the car and return the camping equipment that they had so generously loaned us for the trip. That took a good deal of doing as our car was completely packed and there was a lot of equipment involved. Following that, we had lunch then decided to go to the Australian War Memorial which we had missed on our first visit. I may have said this before, but I can’t say enough about how Australians remember and honor those who have given their lives for their country, those who returned from war and those who are presently serving. In every town and city regardless of how small, we found a war memorial with the names of those who perished. But the War Memorial in Canberra is unlike any I have ever seen. It is a large, beautiful building with numerous exhibits of past wars and war memorabilia along with a long list of those who were killed in all the wars in Australia’s history. It is set on beautiful grounds at the northwest end of the ANZAC Parade Grounds. Across Lake Burly Griffin in a direct line with the ANZAC Parade Grounds is the Federation Mall linking the old and new Parliament Buildings. The setting is reminiscent of the Mall in Washington with the Congress at one end, the Lincoln Memorial at the opposite end, the Washington Monument in the middle and the reflecting ponds.

Along the walls of the memorial are engraved the names of the dead (similar to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC). As you look at them from a distance, it appears that there are thick red lines along the columns of names, which as you approach the walls, you see they are individual poppies placed alongside many of the names by a friend or relative of the deceased. Just before closing at Last Post, there was a half hour commemorative service honoring one of the fallen service men. This is a recent tradition in which a different service man is honored each day. During the service, people who have lost loved ones are invited to lay poppy wreaths at the end of the reflecting pool in which an eternal flame burns. It was truly one of the most moving services I have ever experienced and one I shall never forget.

I must admit that while I found the War Memorial both beautiful and inspiring, I also found it very depressing. It is sad that so many lives should be lost and so many more should have to suffer so much for the stupidity of those who are supposed to be leaders. It is also depressing to know that in spite of all the loss and tragedy we have experienced, we haven’t learned the lessons of history and we haven’t learned how to live as civilized beings. I sometimes think that the term “human civilization” is an oxymoron.
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Enough for now,
Wayne & Peggy