Join in 10th anniversary celebrations at the Arboretum

Armed Forces Memorial at Dawn (courtesy Nick Mott)

As part of the National Memorial Arboretum’s (NMA) 10th anniversary celebrations, members of the public are being invited to attend a very special Summer open evening event.

Taking place from 6pm on this Wednesday, you will have the chance to explore this remarkable site, which is set in over 150 acres of wooded parkland and has over 200 memorials, at a time when visits are not normally allowed.

Laying wreath on Armed Forces Memorial (courtesy Driftwood Images)

The evening will feature a talk by Chief Executive Charlie Bagot Jewitt. He will reflect on what the Arboretum, which is part of The Royal British Legion family of charities, has achieved over the last ten years. He will also explore the vision for the Arboretum and explain the current status of the £8million NMA Appeal and landscape plans.

Armed Forces Memorial at the NMA (courtesy Red Devil Photography)

For more information,  contact the NMA. Gates are open from 6pm and the presentation will start at 7.30pm. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated. Guided tours are available, however a charge applies and advance booking is recommended. Light refreshments will be available from the Arbour Restaurant until 9pm and gates close at 10pm.

Recognition and commemoration



Each of the stamps include a monochrome image of an Armed Forces Memorial from the National Arboretum (Picture; Royal Mail)

The Royal Mail has issued a special commemorative sheet of stamps to recognise the sacrifice and contribution made by all those who have served in the Armed Forces.

All profits from the sales of the stamps will be donated to the National Memorial Arboretum, situated in Staffordshire.

The SPVA website also holds information about the Armed Forces Memorial situated at the National Arboretum and also houses the Roll of Honour search facility.

The Roll of Honour database allows you to search for a person who died while they were in Service; the database contains details of those who have died since 1st January 1948.  It's simple to use, requiring either the surname and forenames, or initials (if known), or the Service number. When you have found the person you are looking for you will be given an option to print a Memorial Scroll  that will contain details of their Service in the Armed Forces.