Book Review: Sacred Places by Ken Inglis
Importance and Place of War Memorials in the Australian Culture
With the recent release of the third edition of Sacred Places (Melbourne University Press, 2008), Ken Inglis has extended his highly acclaimed reference text on Australian war memorials and their importance to the Australian people to include significant events of the past decade.
More than a dry recounting of facts and figures, Sacred Places describes the deeper emotional involvement the Australian population has developed with its military history as represented by the extensive number and variety of memorials across the nation.
History and Culture of Australian War Memorials
The text begins with colonial memorials dedicated to those who served for “Queen and Country”. With the third chapter, focused on The Great War, Inglis begins his discussion of the defining group for Australian military consciousness – the Anzacs.
The focus is on the cultural and emotional impact of the landing at Anzac Cove in Gallipoli rather than an in depth analysis of the military strategy or logistics.
Throughout the remainder of the text, he continues to explore the Australian identification with the Anzacs and the increasing focus on Anzac Day as an opportunity for Australians to honour and recognise the contribution of all military personnel.
There is also consideration of the particular need to commemorate the many Australian soldiers who remain buried in foreign soil.
Inglis examines the various ways in which Australians have chosen to memorialise their servicemen and women. Discussions include the wording of memorials, design style, process and funding, and the maintenance and restoration of existing memorials. Monuments from country towns to capital cities are included across the range of memorials from large federally-funded statues to small local plaques of remembrance designed by school students.
Sacred Places explores the ever evolving definition of what constitutes a war memorial and considers the variety of cultural and social factors that continue to redefine the way in which the Australian population commemorates and honours those who fought in defence of freedom and those who serve to keep peace.
Australian War Memorials in the 21st Century
In a new author’s note for the third edition, Inglis comments that in the 10 years since the text was first published, there has been more making and remaking of war memorials in Australia that in any time since the decade following World War I.
A 61-page epilogue has been added for the new edition, documenting the increasing interest in connecting with and commemorating the Australian national military identity with reference to the impact of 9/11, the Bali bombings and the increased focus on celebrating Anzac Day. Inglis offers an objective view of the attempts of politicians on both sides of politics to use the Australian fascination with the Anzac legend to further their own political agenda.
A Comprehensive Reference of Australian History
Sacred Places features more than 200 illustrations showing war memorials, images from battlefields, photos and a variety of related documents. There are extensive reference notes for the text and a detailed index.
This exhaustively researched and factual, yet extremely accessible text explores the changing and dynamic relationship the Australian people have developed with their military history. It examines the ways and means the community has found to commemorate and represent this relationship. Sacred Places is a fascinating and comprehensive account of Australian society and the influence and impact of Australian military endeavours as evidenced by war memorials throughout the country.
