If you have children, come to this garden often, and tell them that this park is now owned by the people; tell them that once a prison stood here, where 300 Australians were cruelly treated, not because they had anything wrong, but because they belonged to another nation.  

Tell them that out of those dark days this garden has been built to be a sign for all people that war must not be started again.  And make them promise that, when they grow up, they will bring their children here, and, under the trees that will grow and the angels watching us, pass on to them the vision that we have today.

Let your message be to them: "We will defend Japan if we have to do, but we will not start the war."  If all nations followed that pledge, what a wonderful world it would be.

Look at those flags.  Japan's flag has the sun on it, Australia's flag has the stars.  Between them day and night are united to remind you and your children, and your children's children, that the pledge we make today will continue on through night and day for all time without ceasing.

Honour both of these flags, and by doing so you will give honour to the countries they stand for.

If our hearts are full of love, there will be no room for hate.  If our hearts are full of peace, there will be no room for thoughts of war.

So congratulations to you all.  We wish you good health and happy times.  And we leave you with our best wishes for yourselves and your loved ones. Come to Australia some day; you will be very welcome as friends.

Thank you for having us with you.