Anthony Albanese spoke at the 20th anniversary of the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial in Ballarat, emphasizing the importance of the stories of the former prisoners of war. He described the stories as part of a different chapter in the nation’s history, highlighting the sacrifice, courage, and mateship of the men and women who served the country during wartime. The memorial wall contains over 35,000 names of soldiers, sailors, and nurses from both world wars, the Boer War, and the Korean War.
Albanese paid tribute to former bombardier Tom Uren, a captive of Japanese forces in Timor during World War II, describing him as a tower of humanity. The memorial was hailed as a powerful expression of the spirit of the prisoners and a lasting testament to their patience, perseverance, and humor. Albanese brought attention to wartime diaries, documents, and art made by the prisoners, highlighting the creativity and resilience that helped them endure their harsh captivity.
In particular, he mentioned items such as a father’s inscription on a pottery mug, a blanket crocheted from Red Cross-issued socks, and a makeshift Melbourne Cup trophy made from a can of corned beef. These artifacts served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the prisoners of war, while contributing to the recording of history. The memorial in Ballarat Botanical Gardens was opened in 2004 by former army general Sir Peter Cosgrove. If anyone is in need of help, they can reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Open Arms at 1800 011 046.