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 11 {3867} - The Polar Bear Association Memorial; a tribute to the 49th Infantry and was the first memorial
and sculpture to be errected at The National Memorial Arboretum.
Picture 12 {3860} - Home Run - Memorial to
the Allied Escapers and Evaders of WW2.
Picture 13 {3830} - Royal National Lifeboat Institute Memorial.
Picture 14 {3826} - The Royal Navy Patrol Service Memorial - HMS Europa.
Picture 15 {3823} - The Loch
Class Frigates Association Memorial.
Picture 16 {3822} - The Armed Forces Memorial.
Picture
17 {3820} - Some of the many young trees growing on the 150 acre site.
Picture 18 {3818} - The Royal Marines
Association Memorial.
Picture 19 {3813} - The National Memorial Arboretum Visitor's Centre.
Picture
20 {3810} - Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS) Memorial Garden.
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..