Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has officially opened a major new gallery at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, vowing to keep the “flame of memory” burning for future generations. The new atrium and Anzac Hall, which focuses on Australia’s commitments to the Middle East, Afghanistan, and peacekeeping operations, was unveiled at a ceremony last night.
Dignitaries Attend Opening Ceremony
Among the dignitaries present were retiring Chief of the Defence Force David Johnston and the next leader of the Australian military, current Chief of Navy Mark Hammond. The prime minister told those gathered that they were bonded by the power of “lest we forget.”
“That most unadorned of sentences that dwells within us like a heartbeat – we vow to keep the flame of memory burning so brightly that its glow reaches future generations,” Albanese said. “Today we adjourned the parliament so that everyone who wished to could come mark the opening of this Atrium and Anzac Hall, an addition to the Australian War Memorial that makes that flame burn so much brighter. What a sublime and powerful addition it is. A bold vision turned into a reality that enhances the institution of which it is now part.”
Prime Minister Urges Visitors to Reflect on Sacrifice
The prime minister implored attendees to “read all the words” about those who have gone before them. “Look at the faces and get lost amid the smiles, the hope and camaraderie – the counterpoint to war’s relentless, inhuman arithmetic. They are its true cost. Yet, amid this loss and sacrifice, what pulses so powerfully is life, and an abiding sense of what is worth fighting for.”
The new gallery is part of a broader redevelopment of the Australian War Memorial, which has been ongoing for several years. The project aims to modernise the memorial while preserving its core mission of honouring Australia's war dead.
