The Wire

For many Australians, the sound of the Last Post brings with it a swell of patriotism and emotion. But a corporate deal involving the Australian War Memorial threatens to commercialise this symbol of remembrance for our fallen soldiers. Budget cuts mean the War Memorial are relying on Canberra utilities company, TransACT, to sponsor the daily Last Post to the tune of $30,000. As part of the deal, TransACT is allowed to display a small logo on the MC’s lectern. More than 87 companies including Qantas, Commonwealth Bank,Telstra and News Limited already sponsor displays at the War Memorial.