The National Memorial Arboretum

Located in the heart of the country within the National Forest near Lichfield, the National Memorial Arboretum comprises 150 acres of trees and memorials devoted to the concept of Remembrance. It is the United Kingdom's living and lasting memorial to commemorate and celebrate those who have given their lives in the service of their country, those who have suffered as a result of conflict and others who for appropriate reasons are commemorated on the site.

The idea for the arboretum was conceived by David Childs in 1988. He believed that it would form a living tribute to service men and women for future generations to reflect upon and enjoy. The Arboretum was established around the turn of the Millennium, with an official opening on 16 May 2001.

At the heart of the National Memorial Arboretum is the impressive Armed Forces Memorial, which is a tribute to almost 16,000 service personnel who have lost their lives in conflict or as a result of terrorism since the end of the Second World War.

Approached along a ceremonial path known as the 'The Causeway'. The memorial draws its inspiration from the ancient landscapes, barrows, hillforts and tumuli of prehistoric Britain.

At the top of the mound stands a 43 metre diameter stone structure with two curved walls and two straight walls, constructed of 200,000 bricks faced with Portland stone panels. The panels contain the names of those honoured by the Memorial.

At 11am on 11th November each year the sun shines through two slits in the outer and inner walls of the memorial, casting a shaft of light across a wreath in the centre.

The Memorial was dedicated on 12 October 2007 by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the presence of the Queen.

The sadness of this place isn't in the row upon row of faceless names cut into the stones but for the large blank spaces left for those names yet to be inscribed.

The Arboretum is situated just south of the village of Alrewas on approximately 150 acres (0.61 km2; 0.23 sq mi) of old gravel workings, 5 miles north of Lichfield, Staffordshire. It is adjacent to the confluence of the River Tame with the River Trent, and directly neighbouring Croxall Lakes. The grounds of the Arboretum contains over 50,000 trees, with more added year upon year. The grounds though busy afford a peaceful haven, a place of thought, contemplation and hope where visitors can both enjoy and learn about the trees and their surroundings, and reflect upon their special symbolism.

Amongst the groves, woods and gardens are over 150 memorials and plots for the armed forces, civilian organisations and voluntary bodies who have played a part in serving the country. At the heart of the Arboretum is the impressive Armed Forces Memorial, which is a tribute to almost 16,000 service personnel who have lost their lives in conflict or as a result of terrorism since the end of the Second World War. The Memorial was dedicated in October 2007 by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the presence of the Queen. At 11am on 11th November each year the sun shines through two slits in the outer and inner walls of the memorial, casting a shaft of light across a wreath in the centre.

The 'Polar Bear Association Memorial' is a tribute to the 49th Infantry West Riding Division and was dedicated on the 7th June 1998. Inside the bear is a capsule containing the names of all the members of the 49th Division who did not come home.

The 'Shot at Dawn Memorial' is dedicated to the memory of the 306 British and Commonwealth soldiers executed for cowardice and desertion during World War I.

The Corps of Royal Engineers Memorial - Four stones are placed in a circle and floated off flush with the grass,suggesting a visual metaphor of the ability of the Sapper to intervene in, and control, the physical and geographical enviroment.

The Masonic Memorial represented by two dressed stone blocks, perhaps 'Ashlar' stones, (an allegory of the Freemason who, through education and diligence, has achieved enlightenment), sitting upon a checkerboard surface.

Memorial dedicated to the King's African Rifles, amongst the noteables to serve with this colonial regiment were the writer Roald Dahl, Idi Amin and the US President Barack Obama's paternal grandfather, Hussein Onyango Obama.

Five boulders dedicated to the Normandy Veterans, each boulder representing one of the five beaches stormed during Operation Overlord on the 6th June 1944.

The Polish Service Men and Women Memorial - Dedicated to the contribution made by Polish service men and women to the Allied Forces during the Second World War. Unveiled by His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent on the 19th September 2009.

Within the grove dedicated to Allied Special Forces stands this memorial to those who fought and died with Popski's Private Army (No.1 Demolition Squadon) during the second world war. The memorial was unveiled by Sir Robert Crawford CBE, 30th March 2008.

Ulster Grove - A small grove planted in memory of those who died in the service of the crown, Northern Ireland 1969-2001. The stone circle contains a single block of stone from each of the six counties of Ulster.

Also present within the Arboretum is the Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness where, at 11am each day, an act of remembrance takes place. The National Memorial Arboretum is a registered charity and is managed by The Royal British Legion.

The National Memorial Arboretum - http://www.thenma.org.uk/

The National Memorial Arboretum on Twitter - http://twitter.com/Nat_Mem_Arb

Friends of The National Arboretum - http://www.friendsofnma.org.uk/index1a.htm

The Royal British Legion - http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/