ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses how the Australian National Memorial helps to shape expressions of Australian national identity from the 'top down' by examining its symbolism and official uses during Anzac Day ceremonies. It explores the practices of visitors to the Memorial, showing how their 'from-below' responses to and interactions with the memorial help to construct a particular version of Australian identity. It begins with a brief history and description of Villers-Bretonneux and its surrounds, including visitor practices observed by the author during site visits. The chapter presents evidence, which suggests that visitors go to the memorial to visit graves, reflect on Anzac sacrifice and try to understand the history of World War I a bit better. It explores how the ritual uses involve and generate affects that both augment the experience of the ceremony and transform the practices of visitors from individual experiences to ones of national and collective commemorative significance.
