Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Queenstown, New Zealand: Fallen Soldiers Memorial Arch

As war memorials go, this one has an unusual approach. 

New Zealand paid a large price during World War I. To honor those who made that ultimate sacrifice, the names of the dead from the region are listed on one side of the arch. The number was about 30 percent of the soldiers, which is a horrible price. Here's the interesting part - those who served and survived are honored with their names on the other side. So everyone who was a part of the war effort takes a bow.

Obviously this wouldn't work in a bigger city. But here, it feels like a nice and appropriate touch. Later, a tribute to the casualties of World War II appeared on a nearby plaque. Queenstown put it all between the shore of Lake Wakatipu and the gardens, which is a choice spot as these things go. That way, the tourists get to see it easily.  

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