Canberra Part Two

Australian War Memorial

Hubby & I had decided from the start we would visit the War Memorial while we were in Canberra. We were there on the 21st of August.

We spent most of the day there - and still didn’t see everything! The kids enjoyed the Discovery Zone (the school area open to the public 12:30 - 1:30 pm) and the multimedia displays. Miss 12 had been there last year with school but didn’t seem to mind looking at it all again.

Before we went, I had found out that the Wednesday we were going to go, the Federation Guard (the ceremonial unit of the Defence Forces) is at the War Memorial doing a catafalque (pronounced catapult) party at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This was in the afternoon, but during the rest of the day two members were on guard outside, with the guard changing every 30 minutes. Miss 12 was intrigued by this, especially the way they precisely marched in & out!

Changing of the Guard

It was another cold & windy day, so we were glad to spend most of the day inside. We did have our lunch outside again though!

At 4 o’clock, the catafalque party marched into place. Four members stand facing outwards around the tomb, with a fifth overseeing them, while another two stood outside - all with their heads bowed & firearms facing down. The guard was changed after 30 minutes, this time accompanied by a drummer.

Catafalque Party

We bought poppies to put on the Honour Roll. Peter placed one for his Great Uncle Colin, who was killed during World War II in a training accident. I placed one for Stanley Skinner - a distant relative of mine, who was killed in Ypres during WW I.

Placing poppies.

We watched the last changing of the guard before the Last Post ceremony. This is where they close the War Memorial each day with the National Anthem, the story of one of the people listed on the Roll of Honour & the Last Post. The catafalque party moved from the tomb to stand around the Pool of Reflection. It was really moving. People also laid wreaths, the cards are then put into the archives of the War Memorial.

Last Post Ceremony

When we left, the Federation Guard were standing outside. Miss 12 was marching out the same way they were. She went up to say hello & complimented one of the guys on his gloves! As we walked to the car, all three kids were marching like the soldiers.