In the quiet moments of reflection, we often turn our thoughts to those who have served our country, acknowledging the sacrifices made by brave men and women in the face of conflict.
While monuments and memorials across Australia stand as sombre reminders of lives lost, there is a growing recognition of the need to honour and remember those who returned, forever changed by their experiences.
This well-deserved remembrance is an acknowledgement of the sacrifices they made for the freedom that we enjoy today. This is also a way of keeping their memory alive for generations to come.
Enter the Virtual War Memorial (VWM), an innovative online platform that has become a treasure trove of personal stories, documents, and images of Australians who have served in conflicts from the Boer War to Afghanistan.
The VWM, which began as a South Australian commemorative project for the centenary of World War I in 2014, has since evolved into a national repository of military history and personal narratives.
Sharyn Roberts, CEO of the Virtual War Memorial, reflects on the journey: ‘We started with a database of 333,000 names, and we’ve now got over 1.5 million.’
This staggering growth is a testament to the platform’s importance and the public’s eagerness to contribute to the collective memory of our nation’s service people.
As we approach significant anniversaries, including 110 years since the Gallipoli landing and 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, Roberts and the VWM encourage Australians to delve into their family histories and share their ANZAC connections.
‘It’s a great time to think: ‘Do I have an ANZAC connection? And what can I do?’
The goal is to gather 110 new stories from WWI and 80 from WWII, enriching the database with diverse and personal accounts of service and survival.
The VWM is not just a static list of names; it’s an interactive and evolving digital memorial. Each profile connects an individual to a conflict, their unit, and provides details about their service, including any wounds sustained, their origins, and their return home.
‘If you look at any of the profiles, we can connect a person to a conflict, the unit that they served in and have information about any woundings that may have occurred, their outcome, where they came from and where they came back to.’
This level of detail brings history to life, allowing us to understand the human side of war and the personal journeys of those who served.
Accessibility is one of the VWM’s greatest strengths. ‘You can be sitting in front of a computer here in Australia… or if you’ve got your phone and you’re in a war cemetery on the Western Front, you can find information about the person on the headstone that’s in front of you,’ the CEO said.
This immediacy transforms the way we engage with history, making it a personal and poignant experience.
The VWM’s success is mainly due to the dedication of a small team of employees and a ‘battalion of volunteers,’ who work tirelessly to maintain and expand the platform.
Philanthropic donations are crucial in supporting this noble endeavour, ensuring that the stories of our service people continue to be told and preserved for future generations.
As we recite the ode at remembrance ceremonies, ‘We will remember them,’ the Virtual War Memorial ensures that this promise extends to all who served, not just those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s a living, breathing testament to the resilience and courage of Australians in uniform, and a reminder that every story of service is worth telling.
So, as ANZAC Day approaches, take a moment to explore the Virtual War Memorial. You might discover a connection you never knew you had or be inspired to contribute a story of your own. In doing so, you’ll be part of a collective effort to honour the legacy of those who came back, carrying with them the untold secrets of their service that are now, finally, being shared with the world.
Also read: Veteran reflects on ‘futility’ of war as he prepares for his final Anzac Day march
