War Memorial - a must see!

 We went to visit the National War Memorial in April and it was quite the visit. It was incredible!

The flag flying on the grounds

Outside were memorials and old weapons that had been retired over the years (e.g. tanks). It had huge spaces with really interesting sculptures.

Inside you could visit the different wings for WWI, WWII, Korean to present. There were tours (one for adults, one for children). Allison and Lucy went on the children's tour and they were told stories about some of the soldiers' animals (a horse in WWI and a dog in WWII) which were both sad, exciting and happy all at the same time.





The displays inside were very, very well done. To be honest, it left me feeling a bit sick to my stomach and so frustrated about war. I mean, the displays were not over-the-top gruesome or glorified. In fact, it really humanized the war from being a numbers game, or strategy sessions, to being real people. And it was horrible! For both sides! Awful. WWI was so terrible and yet we turned around and did it again. And there is still war in the world. Why, why why?! Yes, I know mentally there are many reasons but when you are confronted with the overwhelming death, decay, disease, famine and destruction left in the wake of a war it really hits you.

Allison and Hannah inside a submarine

Girls inside helicopter

It did honour the people who gave up their lives. There was honesty and reality balanced with the dignity and respect due a person. Well done!

The National War Memorial sits across the city from the Parliamentary House with a straight boulevard between the two. They can see each other. I liked it since it really seemed to say "Look. The decisions you make over there, may one day end up over here. How do you want to be remembered?"

Snack on the grounds

So, beautiful grounds. Interesting history. Neat structures. Definitely a MUST GO TO if you are ever here!

On the steps of the War Memorial with the Parliament in the background