The National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) was
the brainchild of David Childs CBE who wished to see a national focus for remembrance.
Following a meeting
with Group Captain Leonard Cheshire VC, an appeal was launched by the then Prime Minister, John Major.
The
NMA was officially opened to the public in May 2001 although planting had commenced in 1997. There are now over 200 memorials
and importantly the focus isn’t just military as civilian memorials are also present; recognising that many civilians
support and are indeed lost in conflict.
This is a special place where visitors can enjoy the trees, grassland,
river, woodland, flora and fauna. It is also a place where loved ones can be remembered, particularly those who made the ultimate
sacrifice for their country.
This is not a cemetery but a living place represented by the 50,000 trees spread
over the 150 acre site. The NMA is a spiritually uplifting place which honours the fallen, recognises service and sacrifice,
and fosters pride in our country. It is a living and lasting memorial.
......... o O o .........
Outside of
The National Memorial Arboretum the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission has the responsibility to ensure that 1.7 million people who died in the two world wars will never be forgotten. They care
for cemeteries and memorials at 23,000 locations, in 153 countries. The CWGC values and aims, laid out in 1917, are as relevant
now as they were over a 100 years ago....
......... o O o .........
......... o O o .........
The images below are:
Picture 1 {3868} - The Armed Forces Memorial.
Picture 2 {3855} - The Royal Corps of Signals Memorial.
Picture 3 {3870} - The Armed Forces Memorial Inscription.
Picture 4 {3858} - The Armed Forces Memorial.
Picture 5 {3842} - ATS Memorial - The Women of WW2.
Picture 6 {3831} - The Railway Industry Memorial.
Picture 7 {3824} - The Royal British Legion National Remembrance Garden 'My Remembrance Day'.
Picture
8 {3821} - The Falkland Islands Memorial.
Picture 9 {3816} - The Memorial dedicated to all who served in the
Far East Air Force 1949 - 1971.
Picture 10 {3795} - The Royal Air Force Regiment Memorial.
These
images are kindly provided by Ian Humphreys, RBL, and are his Copyright. You may click on the thumb nail images for the original
- these are high res images and may not be used for commercial purposes without full written consent from Mr Humphreys. Each
image is 3264 x 2448 pixels and are several MB in size..