Shrine of Remembrance

In the Kings Domain is the Shrine of Remembrance. Built to commemorate the fallen during World War I, the Shrine is now a memorial to all wars that the ANZAC forces have fought in. ANZAC is the Australian New Zealand Army Corp and they have fought together since the first Mauri war in the 1860s.

The Shrine is based on a prymiad shape because during World War I, the ANZAC forces were stationed in Cairo. At top is open and once a day, a light moves across a stone on the floor that reminds everyone to pause and remember those who have died in war.

Through out the Shrine, there are numerous regiment colors and flags. Here is the Australia flag, and then the Australian Air Force flag, which was our favorite.

From the top of the Shrine you can see St. Kilda Road into downtown Melbourne, and on ANZAC Day (April 25th), war veterans march down the street to the Shrine.

Displayed inside are all the medals won by soliders throughout the 19th and 20th Centuries. Each medal represents 100 people who served in war. The wall ran the length of the Shrine.

Next to the Shrine was our next stop: the Royal Botanic Garden, with a view to the poppies (in the cross-shape) from the fields of Flanders that have grown here ever since the seeds were brought back from World War I.