CHECK AGAINST DR-LIVERY ENM ED UNTIL DELIVER
SPEECH BY THE PMIME MINISTER
DEDICATION OF NATIONAL MEMORIAL TO THE ARMY
CANBERRA 1 NOVEMER 1989
Throughout the cities and the country towns of the nation,
Australians have proudly built memorials to those of our
fellow citizens who have served in thq Australian armed
forces.
The cairns, plaques, memorial halls and avenues of honour
all bear silent but eloquent testimony to those who offered
their lives as hostages for liberty and those who gave
their lives to create a better world.
Today we dedicate a new memorial a memorial to the
Australian Army here in the heart of the nation; here on the
grand sweep that connects the seat of parliamentary
democracy with the Australian War Memorial; here in this
avenue that proudly bears the name Anzac.
Since before the Federation of the nation Australian armed
forces have been defending and protecting the interests of
the Australian people in times of danger
Providing assistance to civil authorities in the event of
natural disasters; supporting peace-keeping missions
overseas in difficult situations, such as today in Namibia;
safeguarding the national estate in time of war.
This memorial serves to honour the memory of all those
involved in those great tasks not just the recognised, the
famous, the generals, the winners of medals but all who
served their country in the Australian Army. That lack of
distinction, that egalitarianism, is of course very fitting
and it is very Australian. It recognises the fact that
courage, dedication and professionalism in the face of
adversity were the characteristics not just of the few but
were part of the baggage that every Australian digger took
with him on service overseas.
It cannot have been an easy task to translate into the
tangible structures of this sculpture all the nation's sense
of respect for, and gratitude to, its armed forces. But I
congratulate the sculptors, and all those involved in this
project. They have given us a memorial that does capture in
permanent. form our national sense of debt to the army.
I, I
It will help remind us that too many theatres of war have
seen the deaths of too many young Australians.
But it will also remind us residents of Canberra and
visitors alike that it was through such sacrifice that we
can now enjoy the freedom, prosperity and independence that
we must not take for granted. 2879