The National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, will be hosting a week of activities celebrating the contributions of the Commonwealth to coincide with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in April. This special programme will run from Monday 16 April to Sunday 22 April and will include a series of special talks about memorials with links to the Commonwealth, and a special menu in the Arboretum’s restaurant.
The 150-acre site is home to more than 350 memorials dedicated to groups and individuals that have served, suffered, and sacrificed on behalf of our country. Each day, visitors will have the opportunity to join one of the Arboretum’s dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers for a free talk about one of the many memorials with links to the Commonwealth. The fifteen-minute talks will take place at 10.30am and 2.00pm.
One Thursday 19th April, World War I Sikh Memorial will be held. During the First World War, 628 Victoria Crosses were awarded, including 145 to servicemen born overseas who fought for Britain. These overseas born recipients are commemorated at the Arboretum through 145 commemorative paviors, laid by the Department of Communities and Local Government as part of the centenary commemorations of the First World War. On Tuesday 17 April and Thursday 19 April, the Arboretum’s in-house expert Phil Nixon will host sessions at 12.00pm where visitors can learn the fascinating stories of some of the Commonwealth Heroes who received the Victoria Cross during the conflict.
Sarah Oakden, Head of Marketing at the National Memorial Arboretum said, “The Arboretum is home to a number of memorials commemorating the contributions made by Commonwealth citizens, during both world wars and other subsequent conflicts. This programme of events will help visitors learn about the remarkable contributions made by Commonwealth heroes and how they are recognised through the memorials we have on site.”
