Flags of Remembrance

The eastern arm of the Second World War Forecourt incorporates three flagstaffs from which typically fly the national flag of Australia, the flag of the State of Victoria and, in rotation, the ensign of one od the Armed Services. Other flags flown include the flags of Australia's allies on their nationals days of commemoration and unit association pennants or flags on the day of a unit's annual pilgrimage.

Visitors will occasionally see the flags flown at half-mast as part of a ceremony, particularly ANZAC and Remembrance Days, as well as for State Funerals and other events directed by the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet.

The flagstaffs are also the scene of the final ceremonial activity of each day at the Shrine of Remembrance. At 5.00pm each day the Shrine Guard and Custodians lower the flags whilst the Last Post bugle call is played, this traditionally marks the end of the working day in the military and also signifies the closing of the Shrine.
 

The Shrine of Remembrance currently holds the following unit or unit association flags, these flags are flown on ceremonial occasions or to mark specific anniversaries. As the Shrine is a Victorian memorial many of these flags are associated with units raised in Victoria, particularly in the two World Wars. The majority of the units listed here are also commemorated by a Remembrance Tree and plaque.