Canberra: Last Post

Last Post … in the military tradition.

The Last Post is the bugle call that signifies the end of the day's activities. It is also sounded at military funerals to indicate that the soldier has gone to his final rest.

When we learned that the daily closing of the Australian War Memorial is preceded by a Last Post, we decided to return this afternoon to participate.

The ceremony is held in the enclosed courtyard overlooked by the Hall of Memory and the Roll of Honor loggias. This area is known as the Commemorative Area. Each ceremony honors the life and service of a member of the military who has died in service of Country. Family members are invited to attend and lay wreaths. The public is also welcome to attend … spots reserved through the War Memorial ticket office.

The ceremony includes the playing of the Australian National Anthem; the reading of the life of the honoree; and the sounding of the Last Post. Today’s honoree was a World War I soldier who served in the European Theater of War.

Very moving ceremony. Glad we were able to participate as a wrap up to our time in Canberra.Read more