The Australian War Memorial

The message conveyed by War Memorials ought to be that of respect & honour; and to serve as a permanent record of the names of the many brave men and women of varied beliefs who died for their country.

Australian War Memorial. The Roll of Honour. Image 2013-04-07 RP. 

Whatever else is to be inferred from these tragic events should be left to the individual beliefs of the people who visit to pay their solemn respects.

Those who died fighting for their country over the last century were fighting for freedom, fighting for what they and Australia stood for. Christian soldiers fought alongside those with other religious beliefs and also those with no religious beliefs. 

They certainly did not die on behalf of Christianity. Yet Christians demand the right to impose their religion on every last one of them.

Australian War Memorial. Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. Image 2013-04-07 RP.

War  memorials should be secular. (That does not mean Atheist). They should be inclusive of all those who died. They should recognise that not every soldier who died possessed Christian beliefs. Many such memorials around the country are secular. Many others have Christian slogans and symbols embossed on them. It is an arrogance beyond belief. 

Australian War Memorial. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Image 2013-04-07 RP.

There is a place for religion. No-one wants to outlaw it - but religion does not belong on war memorials and our wonderful National War Memorial should set a good example.

Australian War Memorial. The Eternal Flame & The Pool of Reflection. Image 2013-04-07 RP.

Many of the enemy soldiers killed by Australian troops were Christians too - but like us, not all of them.

Inspired by this article and this article in The Daily Telegraph; and by the pious indignation of the shrinking majority who are still determined to continue imposing their religion on the rest of the community.