A new Remembrance Glade has been launched by the Royal British Legion at the National Memorial Arbroetum.
The tree-lined space was unveiled at the Alrewas centre of remembrance yesterday (14th September).
The Royal British Legion’s national chairman Una Cleminson was joined by members of the armed forces to plant the final Himalayan birch tree.
The Remembrance Glade is located next to the Royal British Legion Poppy Field and features plants chosen for their symbolism, such as willow trees to represent grief and daffodils to demonstrate new beginnings.
Catherine Davies, head of remembrance for the Royal British Legion, said:
“The Remembrance Glade is a tranquil space open throughout the year for people to connect with and reflect on what Remembrance means to them.
“It offers a peaceful oasis for personal reflection, surrounded by trees and plants of symbolic meaning, designed to give visitors respite from daily cares and a place to contemplate the meaning of remembrance in the beautiful setting of the National Memorial Arboretum.
“As the Royal British Legion marks its centenary, our mission remains to make remembrance available to and inclusive of everyone and in providing new and different ways to participate, such as the Remembrance Glade, we hope to build a legacy that lasts for the next 100 years and beyond.”
Catherine Davies, Royal British Legion
Terry Barnett, a British Army veteran who helped plant the last tree, said:
“Spaces like the Remembrance Glade are really important for contemplation.
“I know from my own experiences of creating mindfulness just how instrumental they are for veterans like myself.
“For me, remembrance doesn’t just have to be confined to two minutes on Remembrance Sunday, it can be any moment in any day when thoughts of service and sacrifice comes into my mind.
“I think this will become a much-loved place not only for the Armed Forces community, but for everyone to have the chance to discover what remembrance means to them and take time to reflect.”
Terry Barnett
I wonder if Catherine Davies, or indeed any member of the governing body of the RBL, ever visited during the lockdown period when the NMA was allowed to open? They would have found that this place of quiet contemplation and remembrance was overrun by yummy mummies enjoying picnics on the actual plots, while their little darlings ran rampage around the area? Ironically, the children’s play area was closed.
During walks along the dog walking route we came across bags of dog mess thrown behind the trees- owners too lazy to carry them to the nearest bin.
It is becoming just another ‘park’, and I feel sorry for people who visit expecting to find solace and respect for the huge sacrifice of their loved ones.