We Shall Remember Them
Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHONThe blood-red poppies are in full bloom at the Legacy Garden beside Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance. But as the world stops to commemorate 11 November, there are synthetic poppies dotted across the lawn in the forecourt of the Shrine.
The photograph above says it all in terms of the symbolism I wanted to project on this solemn day. It shows one of the synthetic poppies framed by the tall columns of the Shrine's entrance. To me, the image is a combination of sacrifice and commemoration.
And the second photograph (below) is a perfect validation of how the first generation of the twenty-first century is determined to honour the memory of all those who defended their countries. The child's script on this poppy says: "Harry Clarke - my great-grandfather" and it is signed by Mitchell Clarke. It was such a poignant sight for me and I was lucky to be able to photograph it without stepping on the grass.
