About Australian-American Memorial
The Australian-American Memorial is a 27-metre column topped by a bronze eagle located on Russell Drive at Russell in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Unveiled in 1954 by Queen Elizabeth II, it commemorates the role of the United States in the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942 and symbolises the Australia-United States alliance during World War II. Set on a traffic island near the Russell Offices and Lake Burley Griffin.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect an outdoor, open-air memorial set on a landscaped traffic island at the Russell roundabout. The central feature is a tall aluminium column topped by a large bronze eagle with outstretched wings by sculptor Paul Beadle. The base features bronze reliefs and inscriptions. The site is viewed from surrounding footpaths and road verges, with views toward Lake Burley Griffin and the Russell Offices precinct. There is no interior to enter.
Key highlights
- 01
27-metre column topped by bronze American bald eagle with 3.7-metre wingspan by sculptor Paul Beadle
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Commemorates United States contribution to the Battle of the Coral Sea, 4-8 May 1942
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Unveiled on 16 February 1954 by Queen Elizabeth II
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Bronze wall reliefs and inscriptions at the base depicting American and Australian services