Virtual War Memorial

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. T.T. Ngo:

That this council—

1. Congratulates the Virtual War Memorial on the 10th Anniversary for establishing the online commemorative collection of personal experiences that honour all those who served our nation in times of conflict, from the Boer War through to Afghanistan;

2. Recognises that this is a commemorative collection of human experiences in honour of all those who lost their lives as a result of their service and all those who returned forever changed by their experiences; and

3. Commends the work of staff, volunteers and the many people who have and will continue to contribute to the Virtual War Memorial database, which is an everlasting reminder of all our service men and women, ensuring their courage and sacrifices will never be forgotten.

(Continued from 25 September 2024.)

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (22:03): The Virtual War Memorial is an excellent initiative with many benefits. It recognises the contribution and sacrifice of Australian service personnel, from the Boer War to the Afghanistan War. The use of a digital platform enables access to many different virtual exhibits, including podcasts and written and extensive visual material, in a manner that is easily accessible. It reveals the human face of the sacrifice of war and allows community members who may be unable to travel to physical war memorials access to this material at any time.

Importantly, the digital and visual format is one that engages the younger generation. The school program that the Virtual War Memorial conducts in collaboration with the South Australian Department for Education encourages students to conduct their own research into the war experience of a service person.

Not only does this have educational merit, it brings home to the next generation the personal experience of conflict and appreciation of the sacrifice made by former generations. It is worth reflecting on the purpose of war memorials. It is often noticed that they exist to commemorate and respect those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for a cause, or who were prepared to do so. This includes the defence of our country and the preservation of the democratic freedoms that are the foundation of our quality of life.

War memorials exist not to glorify war but to preserve the memory of the terrible cost of conflict and to honour those willing to pay that cost for the benefit of future generations. Without accessing these memories, the lessons of war may be forgotten in the passing of time. Every year on ANZAC Day our communities gather around Australia in the pre-dawn light to commemorate the fallen and to express our gratitude for those who selflessly endured the horrors of war for our benefit today.

The Virtual War Memorial encourages and engages with the current and next generation of young South Australians, and through its unique access and learning programs reinforces the lesson that conflict should be the last resort for a civilised society as the cost is always high. The opposition obviously supports the motion.

The Hon. T.T. NGO (22:05): I thank the Hon. Ms Centofanti for her contribution and thank all members for their support of this good cause of an association that has worked so hard in the past decade to commemorate the memories and contribution of our service men and women.

Motion carried.