Darwin Cenotaph is an important memorial that commemorates the sacrifice of Australian service men and women who have served in conflicts in which Australia has been involved. The Cenotaph was first erected outside Government House in 1921. Funds for the Cenotaph were subscribed by various organisations and committees throughout the Territory. A dedication service was held in April 1921 when the monument was entrusted to the keeping of the Darwin Town Council by the Soldiers Monument Committee. In handing over the monument Mr Percy Kelsey, hon secretary to the Soldiers Monument Committee stated: On behalf of the committee representing the citizens of the Northern Territory who have subscribed towards placing this memorial here I now place in your keeping as Mayor of this town, this token of their appreciation and regard, and I trust that the memories of what our men have done for us may inspire yours and successive Councils with a true appreciation of the seriousness of your trust and that it may enable them to tend to this monument with reverential and affectionate care. The Cenotaph was relocated to the Civic Centre gardens in 1970 as Government House became too small to hold commemorative services. In 1990 a larger site was again required and it was moved to Bicentennial Park. This site overlooks Darwin Harbour from which all men left during the First World War and would have been one of the last familiar sites the men saw as they sailed off to war. It overlooks the harbour where many died in the 19 February 1942 bombing of Darwin and is located where the guns of the 14th Anti-Aircraft Battery were positioned and fired the first shots in the defence of Darwin.
