The following formal submission have been made public
Submitter: Angela WoollacottAnzac Hall and Glazed Link
My serious concern with the proposed new Anzac Hall and Glazed Link is not with the architectural design, but the stated reasons and purpose for this new addition to the War Memorial.
I am appalled at the intention to fill this enlarged space with big military hardware. The Australian War Memorial was planned and built with a serious and sober national purpose: to commemorate Australians sacrifices and losses in wars. It has fulfilled this purpose with classic architecture and a dignified presence. It has provided the nation with a fitting site to honour those who have served and to mourn those lost.
It is entirely UNFITTING to add an enlarged space for the glorification of war through the extended display of large military equipment.
This will undermine the War Memorial's important national role of commemoration and sombre reflection. The War Memorial was not intended to be a museum foregrounding large military hardware, and to turn it into one is a terrible mistake.
Australia will be the worse for losing the AWM's current gravitas and dignity.
Yours sincerely,
Angela Woollacott
Manning Clark Professor of History
The Australian National University
I am appalled at the intention to fill this enlarged space with big military hardware. The Australian War Memorial was planned and built with a serious and sober national purpose: to commemorate Australians sacrifices and losses in wars. It has fulfilled this purpose with classic architecture and a dignified presence. It has provided the nation with a fitting site to honour those who have served and to mourn those lost.
It is entirely UNFITTING to add an enlarged space for the glorification of war through the extended display of large military equipment.
This will undermine the War Memorial's important national role of commemoration and sombre reflection. The War Memorial was not intended to be a museum foregrounding large military hardware, and to turn it into one is a terrible mistake.
Australia will be the worse for losing the AWM's current gravitas and dignity.
Yours sincerely,
Angela Woollacott
Manning Clark Professor of History
The Australian National University