National Memorial Arboretum
| National Memorial Arboretum | |
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View looking towards the Armed Forces Memorial.
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| Location | Alrewas, Staffordshire, England |
| Coordinates | 52°43′34″N 1°43′41″W / 52.726°N 1.728°WCoordinates: 52°43′34″N 1°43′41″W / 52.726°N 1.728°W |
| Area | 150 acres (0.61 km2; 0.23 sq mi) |
| Created | 16 May 2001 |
| Operated by | The Royal British Legion |
| Website | thenma |
The National Memorial Arboretum (grid reference SK185144) is a national site of remembrance at Alrewas, near Lichfield, Staffordshire, United Kingdom. It gives its purpose as:
The National Memorial Arboretum honours the fallen, recognises service and sacrifice and fosters pride in our country. It is a spiritually uplifting place and is emerging as a world-renowned centre for remembrance.
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 officially opened on 16 May 2001. It is a registered charity and is part of The Royal British Legion family of charities.
The Arboretum is situated just south of Alrewas on approximately 150 acres (0.61 km2; 0.23 sq mi) of old gravel workings, 5 miles (8.0 km) north of Lichfield, Staffordshire. It is adjacent to the confluence of the River Tame with the River Trent, and directly neighbouring Croxall Lakes. It is at the western end of the National Forest, just off the A38 road.
The Arboretum contains over 50,000 trees, with more being added each year.
There are nearly 300 memorials for the armed forces, civilian organisations and voluntary bodies who have played a part in serving the country; and even HMS Amethyst's cat. Several corporate war memorials – from British banks, building societies, and insurance companies – have been relocated to the grounds, when the original owners became unable or unwilling to care for them. At the heart of the Arboretum is the Armed Forces Memorial, which is a tribute to over 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. At 11 am on 11 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.
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