Opening of the new Australian War Memorial, London, 11 November 2003
Published
Twice within the span of a single generation, Australia and Britain stood side by side in two of the bloodiest wars in human history.
Prime Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Twice within the span of a single generation, Australia and Britain stood side by side in two of the bloodiest wars in human history. The struggle was bitter, but by sheer persistence and dogged courage, the forces of aggression and tyranny were defeated. But the cost in human lives and misery was enormous.
That is why I am so pleased to join the Prime Minister of Australia in unveiling this magnificent memorial to the hundreds and thousands of Australians who fought and gave their lives in battles at sea, on land and in the air wherever the enemy was to be found.
A full record of their service and sacrifice is inscribed on this Memorial. It will stand as a permanent tribute to their partnership and sacrifice in a common cause. All who pass it will be reminded of the immense contribution made by Australians to final victory.
I hope it will also remind future generations of Australians, who come to visit London, that the support of their predecessors in those critical days will always be remembered here with respect and thankfulness.
Related content
A speech by The Queen to the Royal Tank Regiment, 2008
My best wishes to you all, and 'Fear Naught'.
A speech by The Queen at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth
My grandfather, father, husband and two sons have all undergone training here, and I have had many visits over the years.
A speech by The Queen at Heathrow airport's Terminal Five, 2008
I am sure that many millions of travellers will have reason to be appreciative of the thought and care that has gone into the design, construction, and ongoing maintenance of...
Christmas Broadcast 2007
The Christmas story also draws attention to all those people who are on the edge of society
A speech by The Queen at CHOGM, Uganda, 2007
Recognising that each one of us is made up of layer upon layer of identity and that each of our unique personalities has ties to culture, religion, community, country and...
A speech by The Queen at the CHOGM Dinner, Kampala, 2007
I am so very pleased to be with you again and wish you every success in your deliberations.
A speech by The Queen at the Parliament Building in Kampala
It gives me great pleasure to address this House today in recognition of the importance of parliamentary democracy to the Commonwealth as a whole.
A speech by The Queen at the Ugandan State Banquet,2007
We are so pleased to be back in Uganda.
The Queen's message to the President of the Republic of India
The Queen's message to the people of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan
A speech by The Queen to the Honourable Artillery Company, 2007
I am entrusting these new colours, which chronicle so much of the Regiment's history, to your safekeeping.
A speech by The Queen at the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge
The Canadian Corps transformed Vimy Ridge from a symbol of despair into a source of inspiration.
A speech by The Queen at the Ghana State Banquet, 2007
Ghana today is a progressive, open society. The economy is buoyant, and growth and prosperity are being fostered by a pluralistic and lively political debate and by your...
Christmas Broadcast 2006
The birth of a baby brings great happiness - but then the business of growing up begins.
A speech by The Queen at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
I know that the renewal of this famous and much-cherished landmark has been a long-held aspiration.
A speech by The Queen to the Royal Irish Regiment, Northern Ireland, 2006
Your contribution to peace and stability within Northern Ireland has been unique.
A speech by The Queen at the Royal Hospital Chelsea's Founder's Day Parade, 2006
You are a shining illustration of the history of the British Army and of this great institution.
Presentation of Colours to the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, 4 May 2006
In a Regiment with such a rich family tradition it must give considerable cause for pride and satisfaction that the present generation of Welsh Guardsmen loses nothing in...
Sovereign's Parade, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, 12 April 2006
This day marks the beginning of what I hope will be highly successful careers as officers in the British Army or the armies of our friends and allies.
State Banquet in Singapore, 17 March 2006
The links between Britain and Singapore are as strong as ever, and our future relationship is bright indeed.
Australian Prime Minister's Commonwealth Games luncheon, 15 March 2006
Australia has an enviable record at the Commonwealth Games.
A speech by The Queen at the XVIII Commonwealth Games, Australia, 2006
Tonight we celebrate the value of sport as a means of bringing together people from seventy-one nations and territories.
Dinner at Parliament House in Canberra, 14 March 2006
Australia in the course of my lifetime has firmly established itself amongst the most respected nations of the world.
Opening of the new colonnade of Sydney Opera House, 13 March 2006
It was universally agreed that the Opera House was something more than a performing arts centre, more than a great work of architecture.
State Visit, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, 7 March 2006
I have vivid and happy memories of my visit to Brazil with Prince Philip in 1968, especially the warmth and hospitality of the Brazilian people.
Christmas Broadcast 2005
These natural and human tragedies provided the headline news; they also provoked a quite remarkable humanitarian response.
The Queen's speech at the opening of the 2005 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
We in the Commonwealth are our own 'world wide web'.
State banquet in Malta, 23 November 2005
We both retain a deep affection for your country and the outgoing, generous Maltese people who have always offered us the hand of friendship.
Norway State Banquet, 25 October 2005
I remember the bonfires along the coastline as we arrived and the enthusiastic welcome we received as guests of your grandfather, King Haakon.
Dinner in HMS Victory, 200th anniversary of Trafalgar, 21 October 2005
Success at Trafalgar was by no means a foregone conclusion.
Opening of a new headquarters, Royal Bank of Scotland, 14 September 2005
The Bank was granted its Royal Charter 278 years ago and even a prudent bank needs to build a new headquarters once in a while.
World War II commemorative event, Horse Guards Parade, 10 July 2005
An act of remembrance is an act of honour.
The Queen will dine in HMS VICTORY on the 200th anniversary Trafalgar
Centenary of Alberta joining Confederation, Alberta Legislature, Canada, 24 May 2005
While all Albertans — and all Canadians — value this history as a colourful account of the past, we also view it as a foundation for our present and future.
Farewell dinner in Alberta, Canada, 24 May 2005
I have so many vivid memories and a tremendous sense of pride in being part of the Canadian family.
Federal lunch in Regina, Saskatchewan, 20 May 2005
I retain a deep affection for this great country and for the people who take such pride in saying "I am Canadian".
Saskatchewan Legislature, Canada, 18 May 2005
My mother once said that this country felt like a "home away from home" for the Queen of Canada. Ladies and gentlemen, six decades later it still does...
Marking 60th anniversary of the end of World War II in Guernsey, 9 May 2005
Prince Philip and I are happy to be in Guernsey on this sixtieth anniversary of liberation and to have joined in the Service of Thanksgiving
Visit to Jersey to mark the 60th anniversary of Liberation, 9 May 2005
I am pleased that so many people are present today for whom the 9th of May has such a personal significance.
State Banquet, President of Italy, 15 March 2005
We in Britain today are enthusiastic admirers of Italian culture, Italian fashion and Italian food.
Opening the new Churchill Museum in London, 10 February 2005
It was the unique quality of his leadership that so inspired the British nation and free peoples throughout the world.
Christmas Broadcast 2004
Everyone is our neighbour, no matter what race, creed or colour.
State Banquet, President of the Republic of Korea, 1 December 2004
I was struck by the spirit of the Korean people, and their determination to overcome adversity