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The
National Memorial Arboretum is
situated at Alrewas, near Burton-on-Trent and has been created on a 150
acre site as a living tribute to the wartime
generations of the Twentieth Century as a gift in their memory for
future generations to reflect upon and enjoy.
Planting began in 1997 and numerous plots and
groves have been created for the armed and merchant services, the police
and fire services and associations and groups as well as individuals.
The centrepiece of the site is an
impressive memorial known as The Armed Forces Memorial which provides a
significant focus for remembrance for those who died on duty or as a
result of terrorist action since the Second World War.
The site also includes the Millennium
Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness, which was the only place of worship
built in the country to celebrate the Millennium. A daily act of
remembrance takes place at 11 a.m. incorporating the Last Post, silence
and Reveille.
A ‘Millennium Avenue’ has been planted
with cuttings taken from a small-leafed Lime, which is Britain’s oldest
tree, possibly over 6,000 years old. There is also the Ash Grove
planted in tribute to the many members of the security services who were
killed in Northern Ireland.
The Adjutant General’s
Corps Plot was formally
dedicated on 16 September 2001. Other plots in the Arboretum are
interesting and include the many Regiments and Corps in the Army. The
other Armed Services are well represented as is the Merchant Navy and
Police.
Visiting all the Plots
within the Arboretum takes quite a while and sensible footwear is
recommended. On a wet day, a pair of boots is recommended.
To relax after
wandering around the trees and grass walkways, there is an excellent
Visitor Centre with a Café where one can sit back and enjoy a cup of tea
or other refreshments.
The Arboretum is open
every day except Christmas day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entrance is free, but
there is a parking charge of £2.00 per day.
The Arboretum can be
contacted on 01283 792333.
Arrangements can be made for any individual or group to have a tree
planted.
For more
information about the
Arboretum you can visit their website:
The Adjutant General's Corps Regimental
Association is not responsible for the content of external websites.
Picture Gallery of the
National Memorial Arboretum - June 2006
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