Avenue of Honour aglow in salute to Anzacs

Mt Clarence will shine bright with 16,000 glass spheres tonight honouring the service and sacrifice of the Anzacs, coinciding with the conclusion of the Anzac Centenary commemorations.

Field of Light: Avenue of Honour, a light instillation commissioned by FORM in partnership with the City of Albany opens to the public tonight and is expected to draw thousands of visitors to Albany.

The shining glass spheres will light up the Avenue of Honour in whites, yellows and golds — the colours of Australia’s and New Zealand’s national flowers to honour more than 41,000 troops who left Albany for the World War I battlefields.

Artist and creator Bruce Munro said to be given the opportunity to create this work in remembrance of the Anzacs was an honour and a true privilege.

“This has been a massive project for me, when you fly pieces of work to different environments the work changes and the environment changes; this place is sentimental and the whole concept of doing something for the Anzac centenary was so different,” he said.

For Maryellen Godfrey, the installation is special for her and her family as it honours her uncle, Alfred Edward Bradshaw, who was killed in action in Gallipoli in 1915.

Pte A.E. Bradshaw left Albany in 1914 to serve in World War I, and his plaque lies among many others who fell in World War I, World War II and the Korean War.

Mrs Godfrey said it was a privilege to see her uncle’s plaque honoured with the light installation.

“I think this is a truly wonderful installation, these brave men and women need to be remembered and this is a spectacular way to do so, honouring them and their sacrifice,” she said. “I think the lights are very significant, we feel privileged to have our family member in such a sentimental place; its truly an honour and I think it gives people thought — they can stop and reflect on the message and the story behind the installation.”

RSL Albany member Laurie Fraser said the installation was a brilliant way to finish the four years of the centenary commemorations.

“It really is the icing on the cake, it tops these commemorations off perfectly and what a way to finish the centenary with a stunning light installation like this,” he said.

Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said the installation came at a time significant in Albany’s history.

“While Gallipoli is still a magnet for many people wanting to commemorate the Anzac tradition, this large-scale immersive artwork will offer a memorial closer to home, with an illuminating, not-to-be-missed experience,” Mr Papalia said.

Avenue of Honour: Field of Light will be open until April 25, 2019.