War Memorials and Anzac Day: Lest We forget

War Memorials and Anzac Day: Lest We forget

         Countless Australians fought and died in The Great War. It was a war fought in Europe and extended to the Middle East. Australia was then with the Allied Forces that were up against the Axis Powers. Australia was also actively involved in World War II. It likewise sent men to fight in the Crimean War, in Greece and on other battle fields. Australians have always been part of peace keeping missions in different parts of the world.

         To recognize the gallantry and sacrifice of these men, war memorials were built all over Australia. Almost all towns have war monuments dedicated to local heroes. They can be located at rotundas, near public squares and reserves. Inscribed are words attesting to the bravery of those who fought and perished. The names of bonafide residents who fought in the wars can be seen in the memorials. Starting with WWI heroes, the memorials now include casualties of WWII and of the other wars.

          To remember and honor these war heroes, the Australian government has declared every April 25 as Anzac Day. New Zealand also observes Anzac Day. Ceremonies are held in almost all states of Australia. As it is a national holiday, many Australians participate in the usual parade and watch the rituals that follow. The Laying of Wreaths, singing of hymns and the sounding of The Last Post are regularly done. In Melbourne, the focal point of celebration is held at The Shrine of Remembrance. Anzac Day is a time of remembering, a time of paying respect to those men made of sterner stuff who gave their lives for freedom, for democracy.

- Konted

The Shrine of Remembrance stands on a very wide prime land near St. Kilda Road .

The Shrine of Remembrance is one of the most popular landmarks of Melbourne City.

The Shrine of Remembrance as seen from the Remembrance Garden.

The Forecourt built in honor of War War II heroes.

The Eternal Flame at the WW II Forecourt

Wipers Statue. Wipers refers to a battle field in France where many Australians died in action in World War I.

Remembering fallen comrades

Memorial to those who fought and died in South Africa in 1901-1902.

Names of those who died in action

Memorial to those Australians and Hellenic who fought and died on Mainland Greece and in the Battle of Crete  during World War II.

Never to be forgotten

Dedicated to those who defended the island of Malta in 1942

Recognition from US President Franklin Roosevelt

German Howitzer on display at the Department of Defense across The Shrine of Remembrance. It was captured from the Germans when an Australian Division attacked the Hindenberg Outpost Line.

War Memorial at St. Kilda

Inscription

War Memorial near Brighton Beach

War Memorial built in Williamstown

War Memorial at Sandringham

Reminding everyone of Anzac Day which is on April 25th.

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The Long Pier Of St. Kilda

The Long Pier Of St. Kilda

         The sea wind was strong that Saturday morning. I had to hold my cap to prevent it from being blown away. As I was moving towards St. Kilda Pier, I noticed seagulls perched on a wooden ramp, seemingly unmoving as sail boats moved about. Teenage boys and girls were busy watching participants display their sailing skills while others waited for their turn. I began taking pictures.

        Moving to the inner part of the long pier, I saw several men fishing near the rails, with great expectations of catching snapper and pilchard. At the breakwater, some men were preparing baits while others were simply enjoying the sights. 

         As I walked near the old Kiosk, which is at the end of the pier, I heard an old man uttering something. He was wearing a fuchsia shirt that matched the colors of his knee high socks and cap. He had blue shorts and was holding a stick. The old man was now yelling while looking at the direction of the bay. It was like he was chanting or doing a morning ritual as he gestured from time to time. I could not understand the dialect or language and I walked past him. Enough of the old man.

         At the right side of the Kiosk was the marina where countless boats and yachts were moored. There was a ramp where visitors were boarding a boat for a short trip around the bay. A few meters away was a speed boat with a very powerful engine. I took my time inspecting it and taking pictures. At the entry point of the marina, which is managed by the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, I saw the old man again. He was chanting and this time, it was louder.

         From the boardwalk, I had a great time enjoying the view. The sailboats were moving gracefully and seemed to be moving around an imaginary oval. And sometimes back and forth. Whatever, it was a sight to behold. 

         Suddenly, I got a glimpse of the old man again as he was making his way back to the foreshore. I quickly grabbed my backpack and jogged a little as I wanted to talk to him. To know more about him. But I lost him at the area where people were milling. I looked again and again but could not find him. He was walking with a cane, how could he have outpaced me? Anyway, chances are that he will be back next week and I'll try to be at St. Kilda Pier earlier than usual. Just to quell my curiosity. 

           Meanwhile, St. Michael's team was leading comfortably in the sailing competition, much to the delight of the team members. Trailing were Haleybury and Peninsula.  It was all over but the shouting. Cheers then to all of you.

- Konted

View of Port Phillip Bay from St. Kilda beach

A sailing competition is going on.

Students of Haleybury School are watching from the foreshore.

The  long pier of St. Kilda

View of St. Kilda beach from the pier

Standup paddle boarding

Clear view of the sailboats from the pier

Teams from various schools in and around Melbourne participate in the sailing competition.

Demonstration of sailing skills

Participants heading towards the pier after showing their wares.

Students are trained in sailing and taught to be competitive.

The famous Kiosk at the end of St. Kilda Pier.

Common sight at St. Kilda Pier

Patiently waiting for the big catch

Snappers and pilchards are common at the bay.

The original Kiosk was built in the early 1900s. It continues to serve food delights.

The old man uttering something.

The old man starts to yell as he gestures.

It is as if he is chanting as he looks towards the bay

Dinghies near the marina

Countless boats and yachts are berthed at the marina.

The extended boardwalk at the right side of the Kiosk that leads to the marina.

There are benches near the landing barge. The old man is seen chanting again at right.

The marina is under the management of the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron.

The old man chants and he does it seriously.

With powerful engine

On standby  at the landing barge

For fishing enthusiasts

Boats at the marina are systematically arranged.

Lady Daka is a nice pleasure yacht

A unique name for a boat -- How Bizarre

Built to withstand any kind of weather

Another beautiful name -- Knee Deep

Expensive yacht

The old man doing it again

Beautiful view of Melbourne's skyline

An Australian bird perches on the stainless railing

The long pier of St. Kilda as viewed from the Kiosk

The breakwater at St. Kilda

 Big rocks at the  breakwater.

Fishing buff readies his equipment and gears at the breakwater.

Two men at the breakwater with high expectations of a bountiful catch as a seagull watches.

The old man chants at the breakwater which is near the Kiosk.

View from the Kiosk and from the breakwater

Waiting for the results of the competition

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