Ryde Park Memorial Cenotaph Middle Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image 0 / 0 - Prev Next Description / Background This cenotaph is a replacement for the old Ryde Cenotaph and incorporates components of the original. The memorial consists of a circular paved area half surrounded by two low rendered block walls. One has an inscription and the other has emblems. In the centre, is a modern stainless steel sculpture with built in lighting and cut out lettering that reads 'LEST WE FORGET'. The paved area has recessed ground lighting. Additional information about this cenotaph can be found on the City of Ryde website. Inscription Sculpture: Lest We Forget Wall: For the men and women who served Panel: Ryde Park Memorial Cenotaph The idea for the original Ryde cenotaph was born in 1966 when RSL Sub Branch members and local Aldermen came together and identified the need for a memorial to perpetuate the memory of Australian Soldiers that had participated in various theatres of war. Located a short distance from the Civic Centre, the cenotaph was officially dedicated on 16 April 1967. Made from granite and set on a stepped granite dais, it carried the insignias of the three armed services together with the words ‘LEST WE FORGET’. The central feature being an eternal flame set in a bronze bowl. Construction works in the civic precinct in 2007 necessitated finding a new position, and with cooperation from local RSL sub branches a new cenotaph was designed and space created in Ryde Park for its location. The new cenotaph cradles a central obelisk in granite pointing towards eleven o’clock. A permanent shadow in the granite paving engraves the history of service by men and women stretching the imprint of the obelisk to the insignia wall. Within the body of the obelisk a light source evokes the eternal flame. This memorial as a formal threshold to Ryde Park is energised both by ceremony and the everyday circulation of people within its sacred space. Added to the original three armed services insignia is the Merchant Navy emblem. Granite portions from the original cenotaph have been incorporated as symbolic references. Ryde Park Memorial Cenotaph was rededicated on 20 February 2008 by Reverend Greg Burke from St Anne’s Anglican Church and Father Paul Monkerud from St Charles Borromeo Parish Ryde, and opened by Councillor Ivan Petch, Mayor City of Ryde. Project Partners: North Ryde, Ryde, Gladesville and Eastwood RSL Sub Branches. Project Funding: City of Ryde and Bevillesta Pty Ltd. Project Artists: Milne and Stonehouse. Councillor Ivan Petch Mayor City of Ryde, Michael Whittaker General Manager Top Ryde City, City of Ryde Do you know more about this war Memorial? Click here to learn how you can contribute Sidebar Address Cnr Blaxland Road and Princess Street, Ryde Park, Ryde NSW 2112 Local Government Area Ryde, City of Setting Garden/park Memorial type Cenotaph Recorded by Mr. Peter Levarre-Waters and David Roden. Year of construction 2007 Dedication date 20 February 2008 Conflict/s All conflicts