Guy Barnett,Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Today I joined the Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Darren Chester MP and the Lord Mayor of Hobart, Anna Reynolds to open Hobart’s new Bridge of Remembrance.
The Bridge of Remembrance provides a direct connection between two of Hobart’s most significant places of remembrance, the Cenotaph and Soldier’s Memorial Avenue.
Places such as these are important because they act as historical touchstones. They link the past to the present and enable us to remember and respect the sacrifice of those who died, fought, participated or were and continue to be affected by wars and conflicts over time.
The Bridge of Remembrance was made possible by a grant provided by the Australian Government through the Anzac Centenary Public Fund, with the Tasmanian Government initially underwriting the cost, and by the City of Hobart.
The Anzac Centenary Public Fund was established in 2014 to give all Australians the opportunity to contribute to the Anzac Centenary. The Public Fund contributed to three projects of public significance in Tasmania, the Bridge of Remembrance, the Flame of Remembrance and the finalisation of Soldiers Memorial Oval. Each of these projects helps to leave a lasting legacy.
All three projects were part of Tasmania’s Centenary of ANZAC commemorations. A period between 2014 – 2018 that commemorated 100 years of service and sacrifice by Australian service men and women in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations since World War One.
In a little over three weeks, people from around Hobart will gather on the Cenotaph for Anzac Day. The Bridge of Remembrance will provide Tasmanians the opportunity to easily visit the 520 men commemorated on Soldiers Memorial Avenue.
The sacrifice of our service men and women should never be forgotten. Their spirit of courage, mate-ship, service and sacrifice are key ingredients that make Tasmania and Australia great.
We honour those who have served and remember the high cost of the freedoms we enjoy today.
The bridge of Remembrance should forever remind us of the service and sacrifice of those who fought and died for us and the Tasmania we love today.
