Royal Australian Air Force Memorial, War memorial on Anzac Parade, Canberra, Australia
The Royal Australian Air Force Memorial is a war memorial on Anzac Parade in Canberra consisting of three black granite walls with etched text and photographs. At its center stands a bronze sculpture depicting three upturned wing forms that anchor the composition.
Prince Philip inaugurated the memorial in 1973 to mark fifty years since the Royal Australian Air Force was established in 1921. The occasion highlighted Australia's recognition of its aviation military heritage.
The memorial displays excerpts from John Gillespie Magee's poem High Flight alongside photographs documenting the Air Force's contributions and losses. This blend of words and images creates a space where visitors can understand the story through personal accounts.
The memorial sits along Anzac Parade and welcomes visitors throughout the year who wish to reflect on Australia's military aviation past. Its location in Canberra's memorial precinct makes it convenient to visit alongside nearby monuments.
The central wing sculpture features the motto 'Per Ardua Ad Astra,' a Latin phrase that serves as the official maxim of the Australian Air Force. This inscription ties together both the memorial's message and its sculptural form.
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