National Identity and the Politics of Memory: Remembrance at the Australian War Memorial

In this paper, I examine memory’s relation to history and heritage, and its socio-cultural and political roles as portrayed within memorial spaces and sites of memory, drawing on theoretical insights from Connerton, Halbwachs, Hirsch, Nora, Ricoeur and Winter, among others. By exploring the architectural composition, curatorial, educational and ritual practices at the Australian War Memorial, I highlight the complex ways in which forms of remembrance are articulated to Australian and International audiences. I then discuss how these processes are presented within the ‘Anzac legend’, and what this means for history and heritage. I conclude by looking at how these practices of remembrance impact alternate narratives and the effect this has on national identity and personal memory.