Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00408:front:0:p306
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00408
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connections to the concept of Anzac and to the largest public ceremonies held in Anzac Parade being Anzac Day (25 April) and Remembrance Day (11 November), the question arises as to whether the cultural connections to these two ceremonies will remain strong as generations pass, and with the increasingly multicultural nature of Australia.

This question was posed in the earlier conservation management plan for the Australian War Memorial, reflecting on 'has the social significance of this place changed?',

    'Today's Memorial visitor might be a veteran or the family of a veteran of the Second World War, or of Vietnam, but very many are also migrants or the Australian-born descendants of migrants who came to live in Australia after WWII, and who have no direct personal connection with Australia's involvement in war.  They may, however, have experienced war in the armed forces of other nations, or as civilians in countries directly affected by war, and indeed this may be the reason they migrated and become Australians.'  (Pearson & Crockett 1995, pp. 50-52)

Inglis (2005, p. 477) comments that 'in multicultural Australia, attachment to the cult of Anzac can transcend any common experience of war', suggesting that these Anzac values can form a powerful point of attachment for newcomers to Australia, giving several examples.  These values are not of war, but rather of peace and coexistence.  Interestingly the Ataturk Memorial, one of the earlier memorials on Anzac Parade, offers precisely this expression.

Local places and a national place

How does Anzac Parade compare to the many other places that the Australian community or armed services communities use as a focus for remembrance of past armed conflicts, whether on a national, community or personal level?

Pearson & Crockett (1995, p. 51) note that,

    'Increasingly, as access has become easier, the battle fields and graves of Australian involvement overseas are becoming increasingly relevant in the context of social significance.'

Attending Anzac Day ceremonies at Gallipoli has become a part of pilgrimage for many Australians, and likewise trekking the Kokoda Track.

Neil James, Executive Director, Australia Defence Association, comments on the vista and its symbolism,

    'In conclusion, commemoration of the sacrifices made in war to protect contemporary Australia is a public and private duty of Australian citizenship.  It is best done by communities in their local war memorials across Australia.  Here in Canberra it is best done nationally by generic memorials on Anzac Parade and by the Australian War Memorial's roll-of-honour individually.  Finally, the very meaningful Parliament House – Australian War Memorial vista should be preserved and protected from the notion that every war, other operation or campaign, current political fashion or ethnic group needs to be commemorated individually.'  (www.lakewarmemorialsforum.org/docs/23MarNeilJames.html, archived at https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/tep/157452)

Asked about