18,000 tributes planted at National Memorial Arboretum
THE Royal British Legion Field of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire opened to the public on Monday following a special service of Remembrance led by the Rev Tim Flowers CF and attended by veterans and representatives of the Armed Forces.
Following the two-minute silence, several individual Remembrance tributes were planted by dignitaries and the Shawbury and Cosford Military Wives Choirs per- formed people service.
The Field of Remembrance features more than 18,000 tributes from members of the public to service men and women, each carrying a personal message to someone that has lost their life during or after the First World War.
The National Memorial Arboretum Field of Remembrance is one of six Royal British Legion fields located across the country which, for the hundreds of who attended the between them, feature more than 100,000 crosses and commemorative markers each inscribed with an individuals’ name.
Gail Walters, assistant director of operations for The Royal British Legion, said: “In this centenary year it is especially important that we reflect on the sacrifices of the First World War generation and say thank you to those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today.
“We owe an enormous debt to all members of the Armed Forces who continue to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to service as they voluntarily put themselves in harm’s way. We hope the public will take the opportunity to visit the Field of Remembrance and pay their respects as we approach this important anniversary.”
The Field of Remembrance will be open for members of the public to visit and pay their respects until Monday, November 19.