Dignitaries pay respects at Unknown Warrior

The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior has been visited by several overseas visiting dignitaries and local VIPs since its commissioning on 11 November 2004. Two of the most prominent visitors this year were the Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard and his wife Janette, and His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales.

Bottom left: seen placing a rose on the Unknown Warrior tomb on 21 February 2005 are John Howard, Janette Howard, watched by Prime Minister Helen Clark. On 7 March 2005, His Royal Higness, the Prince of Wales also made a visit to the War Memorial, where he placed a rose on the Tomb.

John Howard and Janette Howard lay roses on the Tomb of the Unknown Warror while Prime Minister Helen Clark observes		Prince Charles laying a rose on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior

There has been recent damage to the Tomb, with local skateboarders riding over the top of the Tomb, leaving deep scrapes into the bronze mantle, and chipping the stone edges of the Tomb. The repairs will be completed prior to ANZAC Day 2005.

The Ministry of Culture and Heritage, and the Wellington City Council are looking at ways of improving the general security of the War Memorial to prevent further damage.