What is commemoration?

Commemoration means to remember, honour, or show respect to a person or event. This can be done through a special action like a ceremony or celebration, but commemoration can also occur through the creation of an object, work of art, writing, music, or a memorial.

Commemorative events include joyful celebrations, and solemn ceremonies.

1. Brainstorm a list of commemorative events that take place in Australia.
2. Who or what does the event commemorate?
3. Where does the event take place?
4. What happens at the commemorative event?

The Australian War Memorial is a place where people can go to commemorate those Australians who have died in war or on operational service. People also visit to learn about Australian experiences in times of war, or to reflect on their own service.

Service is commemorated in many different ways at the Memorial. Ceremonial events take place throughout the year, including the daily Last Post Ceremony, and major events such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day. Other forms of commemoration at the Memorial include the Roll of Honour, the Commemorative Roll, and the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.

There are many different war memorials across Australia, including obelisks (tall, pointed monuments), statues, sculptures, cenotaphs, trees, honour boards, crosses, and community buildings.

1. Locate a war memorial from your town
2. What form does the memorial take?
3. Who or what is it commemorating?
4. How does the community interact with the memorial?

More resources relating to commemoration