Anzac Centenary Memorial Garden Walk

Anzac Centenary Memorial Garden Walk

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Posted 2016-05-05 by Graeme Fanningfollow
As part of the 100th anniversary of our brave Anzacs being commemorated around the country from 2014 to 2018, the new on Kintore Avenue in Adelaide CBD has now opened, providing a fitting tribute to the ultimate sacrifice made by South Australians to not just World War One, but to all subsequent wars and conflicts.



The 280 metre walk extends from the Torrens Parade Ground along the side of Government House all the way to the War Memorial signifying three major messages of Remembrance, Service and Loyalty. Remembrance is represented by the War Memorial, Loyalty refers to Government House and Service is denoted by Torrens Parade Ground where many service men and women have departed for theatres of war.



The whole Memorial Garden walk has been initiated to encourage contemplation and reflection, and you can't help but feel those emotions as you pass by the 58 polished Adelaide black granite panels depicting Australian society at home, during times of war and those who wore our nation's uniform at home and abroad.

It is quite sobering to realise that over 102,000 Australian servicemen and women have died as the result of being involved in conflicts around the world and representation has been shown on the granite walls with 1,020 markers etched into the panels, each representing the loss of 100 sailors, soldiers, airmen and women.



As you walk along the paved walkway, there are also embedded in the paving the names of the major theatres of war in which Australians have been engaged, a total of 35 including Afghanistan, Vietnam, Flanders, Palestine and the Pacific.



Local materials have been used to erect the $10 million Memorial Garden walk including stone from Padthaway, Streaky Bay and the black granite from Black Hill, near Mannum.

A remarkable contrast to the black polished surfaces are the avenue of Water Gums together with a row of Lillypilly hedges chosen for their texture, colour and scent. A cluster of Golden Wattles also frame the Pathway of Honour and was selected because of their significance to Australia's national floral emblem as well as its importance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.



Besides the opportunity to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice by Australians, a new fence has meant more of the grounds of Government House are now visible, further reducing the mystery and barrier between the public and the vice-regal residence.



Concluding the walk at the War Memorial allows you to have a final reflection at the place where carved images of both Prologue to War and Aftermath of War are embedded in the Harcourt granite structure: a final moment of remembrance before returning to normal everyday activities.



As the theme of the Memorial walk suggests, it is truly a memorial for all, not just for a few.

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137045 - 2023-06-13 13:13:23

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