The Symbolism of the Memorial
Henry MouldsAt the time of the unveiling of the memorial in 1922, an explanation was provided of the symbolism of the memorial.
THE TABLETS form the central feature because they record the names of those men from the town and district who fell in the Great War. It is to perpetuate their memory that the monument was raised. Additional tablets now also record those lost during the Second World War and the Vietnam War.
THE STEPS stand for God, King and Country, the motive for many of those who served.
THE FOUR PILLARS are raised above the record of names and signify the principles of:
- Righteousness
- Justice
- Freedom
- Peace.
The pillars are bound together and protected by THE CANOPY, which bears the emblem of the Australian Imperial Force, commonly known as the "Rising Sun". This expresses the determination of Australia to maintain the four principles inculcated by the pillars.
On the canopy rests THE GLOBE representing the World. This teaches that while judgements of the nations comprising the world are firmly poised on the four great principles before mentioned, human-kind will dwell together in security and well-being. But there is a greater ideal in life than that suggested by these prudential considerations. That ideal is the highest point to which human nature is capable of attaining, and therefore places it above the Globe and forms the apex of the monument.
THE CROSS the symbol of self-sacrifice. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
The Monument is intended to stand as a perpetual witness to the bravery of the men in honour of whom it was erected, and also of the great principles for which they fought and died.
Source: Adapted from the article in the Border Watch newspaper in Mount Gambier, 24th of October 1922.
