The Shrine of Remembrance is a major Brisbane landmark of cultural, architectural and historic importance and is a key component of the Queensland Heritage listed square[1] and annually hosts ceremonies for ANZAC Day and Armistice Day (now referred to as Remembrance Day). A service marking Singapore Day (The Fall of Singapore, 15 February 1942) is held annually on the closest Sunday to the 15th, in remembrance of the losses of the 8th Division during World War 2.
Anzac Square and the Shrine of Remembrance c1930Anzac Memorial, Brisbane, ca. 1939
Funds were raised by public subscription for a memorial to fallen soldiers in World War I and in 1928 a competition was held for its design. The competition was won by Sydney architects Buchanan and Cowper who proposed a Greek Revival structure. The Shrine took two years to build and was dedicated on Armistice Day 11 November 1930 by Governor John Goodwin with a dedication plaque.
Designed in the Greek Classic Revival style by the firm of Buchanan & Cowper, the columns of the Shrine of Remembrance are built of Helidonsandstone, and the Eternal Flame is kept in a brass urn within the Shrine. The steps leading to the Shrine of Remembrance from ANZAC Square are made of Queensland granite. The 18 columns of the Shrine symbolise the year 1918, when hostilities ceased.
There is a crypt in the lower section of the Shrine of Remembrance which contains the World War I and World War II Memorial Galleries (formerly known as the 'Shrine of Memories'), which contains memorial plaques to numerous Australian regiments who fought during these campaigns, as well as a large mosaic mural by artist Don Ross. There is also a World War I memorial sculpture on the Shrine of Memories external wall.
The Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Graham Quirk, announced in the Brisbane City Council newsletter "Living in Brisbane", May edition, 2014, that, in partnership with the Queensland Government, structural repair works are being undertaken with the Shrine of Remembrance memorial.[2]
Wreaths around the Eternal Flame at the Shrine of Remembrance on ANZAC Day 2006
Each year, on ANZAC Day, on 25 April, a Dawn memorial service is held at the Shrine of Remembrance, with wreaths being laid around the 'Eternal Flame' in memory of those who died in conflict.[3][4][5]
There is also a memorial service held each year on Remembrance Day, 11 November and wreaths are again laid at the 'Eternal Flame'.
ANZAC spirit, a component of modern Australasian mythology describing the spirit of mateship and cheerful suffering amongst Australians and New Zealanders
