‘It symbolises generations of service’: Darwin’s iconic Cenotaph turns 100 years old the day before Anzac Day
The centrepiece of Darwin’s Military History, the Cenotaph on Bicentennial Park, celebrates its 100th anniversary today.
Northern Territory
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THE centrepiece of Darwin’s Military History, the Cenotaph on Bicentennial Park, celebrates its 100th anniversary today.
Commemorating the Sacrifices of Australian servicemen and servicewomen who served in conflicts, the Cenotaph is the home of the Northern Territory’s main military commemorations, including Anzac Day which will be held there on Sunday, as well as the Bombing of Darwin Commemorations and Remembrance Day.
RSL president Stephen Gloster said the Cenotaph held a lot of meaning for the people of Darwin.
“It’s a wonderful thing, that originally they had raffles and things, the locals got all the money to put it there,” he said.
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“To have it there after so many years, cyclones and World War II is a wonderful thing.”
Australian Governor-General David Hurley said the Cenotaph was an important part of Darwin as a garrison city, to remember those who served the country not only in Gallipoli but when war hit Australia’s shores at the bombing of Darwin.
“By celebrating its 100th anniversary, we are honouring what the Cenotaph symbolises – generations of service, endurance, mateship and courage: the Anzac legacy,” he said.
“We are also recognising that our modern veterans and those still in uniform – and of course many are based here in the Territory – both represent and enhance the Anzac Legacy.”
Mr Hurley, who commanded the 1st Brigade from 1999 to 2000 in Darwin, supporting Australian led operations in East Timor, said Darwin and its military history held great emotion for him.
“(My wife) Linda and I have fond memories of our time in Darwin and look forward to any opportunity to return. Darwin, and the NT, have a distinctive character that we value,” he said.
Federal Minister Veterans Affairs Darren Chester said it was remarkable that the “simple but elegant” memorial had existed for a century.
“It is hard to think of a more fitting place or a more beautiful one.”
Originally published as ‘It symbolises generations of service’: Darwin’s iconic Cenotaph turns 100 years old the day before Anzac Day
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