Remembrance and rosemary: school holiday craft activity

‘There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance’ (Hamlet, William Shakespeare)

Australians wear sprigs of rosemary on Anzac Day as a symbol of remembrance for those who have served in wars, conflicts and peace operations. The tradition stems from the rosemary bushes that grow wild on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Türkiye, the location for Australia’s first major military engagement of World War I. It is claimed that a wounded digger brought home a small rosemary bush from ANZAC Cove, which he planted in the grounds of an army hospital in South Australia. Cuttings from this bush were then used to propagate rosemary plants across the nation. At Anzac Square, like many other war memorials, rosemary bushes line the garden beds.

Families and visitors are invited to visit the Memorial Galleries from 7-17 April at 10 am to learn more about this commemorative plant and its special connection to Anzac Day. Sessions will run for 30 minutes in the Post World War II Gallery and be facilitated by our friendly engagement officers. Participants will receive a free Gallipoli rosemary plant in a plastic tube, with craft supplies available to decorate the pot in memory of who you will be remembering this Anzac Day. Whether you customise your pot for a veteran, a military unit or current defence personnel, it’s a beautiful way to honour those who have served our nation. Your rosemary plant can then be taken home to continue growing, with care instructions provided. Book now to secure a free rosemary plant.

Perfect for the whole family, this activity is suitable for all ages. Places are limited, and bookings are essential.

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