Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00408:front:0:p320
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00408
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 970268–973124

'ours' – not as exclusive owners but rather because the memorials and Anzac Parade tell both the national Defence service stories but also represent thousands of individual stories.  Further, they recognise that people served – 'they were there'.  The narrative represented is therefore both intensely personal and utterly national.  This place is where the nation recognises service and sacrifice in war – compared to the many places around Australia where the impact of war on individual communities is remembered.

Those who participated expressed a strong desire to be recognised as the stewards of their memorials and stories.

The memorials and Anzac Parade are for some with armed service associations a place of spiritual connection – sacred and hallowed spaces.  In these places, ceremony and ritual are important activities associated with remembrance.

Anzac Parade and the memorials are an important reference point in the sense of identity of the armed services community.  This is expressed through parades, ceremonies, wreath laying and other rituals, gatherings and so on.  Many of those who contributed to this investigation are actively involved in organising these activities.

Through the processes of gathering, community bonds are reinforced.  In the words of one participant there is a feeling of 'being at one with those gathered'.  The memorials are places for reunion with the living as well as remembering the dead.

For some, especially those who do not have a grave to visit, the memorials may be the primary focus for their grief, just as memorials across Australia were for those grieving losses from the Boer War, and First and Second World Wars.

Conclusions
Based on the evidence presented, it is concluded that Anzac Parade has a strong and special association for the Australian and Canberra communities as a landmark with strong symbolic meanings, and as an important reference point in the way Australians see themselves.  Further it is a place open to many interpretations, allowing new conceptions of the meaning of war and peace to emerge over time in response to changing community experience.  It appears to be valued highly by representatives of other nations as a demonstration of the mutual regard in which each nation holds the other.

The National Heritage social values are considered to provide a good reflection of the values identified through the present assessment.  This assessment would suggest however, that the meanings of Anzac Parade are somewhat more complex and open to multiple readings.  This enhances its value and suggests it will be retained into the future.

For the armed services community, Anzac Parade and the memorials are places of outstanding importance to them as a symbol of service, respect and recognition.  For service and ex-service personnel it is closely connected to their