Rockingham War Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rockingham War Memorial |
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| Australia | |
The Rockingham War Memorial
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| For World War I World War II Korean War Vietnam War |
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| Established | August 13, 2005 |
| Location | 32°16′35″S 115°43′56″E / 32.276389°S 115.7322°E |
| Statistics source: monumentaustralia.org.au | |
The Rockingham War Memorial is a special place in Rockingham, Western Australia. It remembers the brave people who served in Australia's armed forces, known as the Australian Defence Force. This memorial honors those who fought in major wars like World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
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Rockingham War Memorial
What is the Memorial?
This important monument was officially opened on August 13, 2005. The ceremony took place just two days before the 60th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day. Important people like Mark McGowan, who was a government minister, attended the opening. The Mayor of Rockingham, Barry Sammels, and Mark Stevens from the RSL also helped dedicate the memorial.
The main part of the war memorial was first in a different spot. It was moved to its current location in 2007. This happened when the area around it was updated and made new.
Special Features of the Memorial
The memorial's main feature is its thirteen tall columns. These columns are designed in a classic style. Each column stands for one of the major conflicts Australia has been part of. The columns are 5.5 meters (about 18 feet) tall. They are arranged in a large circle that is 30 meters (about 98 feet) wide.
There is also a space for a fourteenth column. This empty spot is there to remember Australian soldiers who went missing in action. These are soldiers whose fate is unknown.
The memorial also shows symbols for the three main parts of the Australian Defence Force:
- The Army is shown by a QF 25-pounder field gun. This is a type of cannon used in wars.
- The Air Force is represented by a propeller, like those on an airplane.
- The Navy is shown by an anchor, which is used by ships.
At the entrance to the memorial, two large bronze soldiers stand guard. These statues were made by a sculptor from Perth named Andrew Kay. Each soldier weighs 160 kilograms (about 350 pounds). They are also twice the size of a normal person.
In 2015, a new part was added to the memorial. This addition honors 100 years since the start of World War One. It has a "Roll of Honour" which lists sixteen names. These are the names of people from the Rockingham area who served during that war.
Other Memorials in Rockingham
Besides the Rockingham War Memorial, there are two other important war memorials in the city. One of them is the Rockingham Naval Memorial Park. This park is specially dedicated to the Royal Australian Navy, which is Australia's navy.
