25 April
2006 - Australia's national tribute to ANZAC courage
and sacrifice, the Australian War Memorial, is
a most worthy recipient of the country's highest
heritage recognition, Minister for the Environment
and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, said today.
"I welcome the Prime Minister's
announcement that the Australian War Memorial
(AWM) and Anzac Parade will be included in the
National Heritage List," Senator Campbell
said.
"About one million people
visit the Australian War Memorial every year,
showing the strength of our connection to our
ANZAC heritage, a connection that goes far beyond
honouring our heroes one day each year.
"Visiting the Memorial
is an emotional experience that gives us a glimpse
into the lives and experiences of generations
of men and women who have helped defend our nation.
"Its commemorative features,
such as the poignant Roll of Honour that lists
the names of all Australians who have died in
war, the tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier
and the Eternal Flame, help us connect and pay
tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those
who served in both World Wars, the Korean and
Vietnam Wars, peace keeping missions and more
recent conflicts.
"Their story is at the
heart of our nation and the AWM and memorials
along Anzac Parade help us share and pass on this
story to future generations."
The National Heritage List is
Australia's premier heritage list and is expanding
to include the best places around the country
that help make up our unique identity. The Australian
War Memorial and Anzac Parade will be the 28th
place to be included in the National Heritage
List.
"Our heritage is all around
us, in our traditions and our special places.
It is crucial therefore that we all engage with
and experience these places to ensure our heritage
is never lost," Senator Campbell said.
"Also helping us connect
with our ANZAC heritage are the first hand accounts
of Charles Bean, Australia's official correspondent
in World War I and the man whose vision helped
found the Australian War Memorial. His diaries
and official dispatches are now online, made available
with the assistance of the Australian Government.
"I am proud to support
this initiative, as it gives us a greater insight
into the front line experiences of both soldiers
and those who, like Bean and his counterparts,
have helped bring their stories to life."
