Canberra continued

On the second day of our visit we went to the National War Museum for a wreath laying service at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for two ships, the HMAS Perth and USS Houston.  These ships were sunk 28 February and 1 March 1942  by the Japanese, and a commemoration service is held annually.  Four of the veterans from the HMAS Perth were in attendance.  For any interested, a book has been written by Mike Carlton, author of  "Cruiser:  The Life and Loss of HMAS Perth and her crew.  This was a very moving service.
The National War Museum is unlike anything I have seen.  It is a place of honor and done beautifully from all the wars fought with Australian participation.  It is indescribable as to how beautiful and informative it is with magnificent dioramas.  We stayed two hours; one could visit it every day for months and still not see it all.

National Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Young school boys visiting the Tomb.  Most the students wear uniforms.

Cliff and I walked to the Art Museum and gardens one morning and then onto Parliament with Phyllis and Jim.  Another very interesting day.  We saw the Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Opposition Party Tony Abbott go at it tooth and nail.  Their system is set up following England's and there is much booing and hissing while arguing.  It was quite the show.  No pictures were allowed.  The Parliament building is magnificent.  Look for Julia Gillard next week as she is playing a visit to Washington.    In the evening we went to the Talley's and met Phyllis' lovely family.  It was another great day in a beautiful city.