David Cameron joins veterans for VJ Day at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire
The Right Honourable David Cameron MP, leader of the opposition, today visited the National Memorial Arboretum. He joined veterans and other visitors for the Act of Remembrance in the Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness before laying a wreath within the Armed Forces Memorial. The Memorial commemorates the 16,000 servicemen and women who have died on duty or as result of terrorism since the end of the Second World War.
Mr Cameron then toured some of the 150 acres of wooded parkland and took time to look at some of the many other memorials and gardens within the Arboretum. He later spoke to members of the Birmingham Branch of the Burma Star Association and spent some time examining the Burma and Sumatra Railway memorials and touring the Far East Prisoners of War centre.
Mr Cameron said: “It’s tragic that as time goes by there are fewer and fewer people around to do the incredibly important job of making sure that our children and grandchildren understand the horror of the First and Second World Wars. It’s therefore a great privilege to have spoken today with some of the veterans who have given so much to ensure the freedom we all enjoy today.
“Here, situated in the heart of the country, the Armed Forces Memorial plays a vital role in helping families and friends of fallen servicemen and women to start coming to terms with their loss. It was incredibly sobering to see, on the Portland Stone walls, the recently engraved names of the 102 members of our armed forces who died during 2007.
“The Arboretum is a brilliant concept as it gives different organisations, military and other, the space in which they can create their own memorials and places for remembrance. For example, I was particularly affected by the peace and beauty of the Still Born & Neonatal Death Society garden.”
ENDS
For more information:
Andrew Baud, Tala PR, 07775 715775, andrew.baud@talapr.co.uk
About the National Memorial Arboretum
The centrally-located National Memorial Arboretum, home to the striking new Armed Forces Memorial, comprises 150 acres of trees and memorials devoted to the theme of remembrance. It is situated near Lichfield and within the National Forest in Staffordshire.
The Arboretum, which has seen the planting 50,000 trees, was established in 1997 on former sand and gravel workings restored by Lafarge and leased to the Arboretum on a peppercorn rent. It is free to enter and has become a focal point for remembrance.
There is a Chapel, in which a short, poignant service called The Homage is held every day at 10.50am. This service reflects the whole ethos of the NMA. This is the only Chapel in the UK in which such a service is held every day.
The Arboretum is:
• Open daily 9.00am – 5.00pm (dusk in winter months)
• Closed on Christmas Day
• Free to enter – donations appreciated
Facilities include the Arbor Café, Gift Shop, ample parking, facilities for people with disabilities, guided tours by arrangement, registered assistance dogs permitted on-site, electric scooters and wheelchairs
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