Hundreds of young people from across the country have visited the National Memorial Arboretum to pay tribute to the First World War generation.
The 750 students took part in activities throughout the day, including being put through their paces by a Sergeant Major on an assault course, creating camouflage, and learned the personal stories of soldiers from ethnic minority backgrounds.
The event culminated in a mass gathering in Heroes’ Square before confetti cannons filled the air with red, white and blue paper strands.
Aysha Afridi, head of heritage and learning at the National Memorial Arboretum, said: “The young people who participated in the Thank You Youth Festival engaged in a number of exciting and thought-provoking activities providing them a greater understanding of Remembrance and of the tectonic changes that occurred during the First World War.
“It is essential that we continue to help younger generations learn about the tremendous sacrifices made by wartime generations ensuring that the invaluable lessons learnt are passed on.
“The Thank You Youth Festival was a tremendous success and all of the students were enthusiastic and eager to learn as they ventured around the arboretum.”
The event was funded by The Royal British Legion as part of the 2018 Thank You Movement.
Catherine Davies, head of remembrance at The Royal British Legion, said: “So much of our lives today is shaped by the example and experience of the First World War generation.
“It was brilliant to see so many children coming together at the National Memorial Arboretum to learn about the war’s legacies and say their own ‘thank you’ to all those who served, sacrificed and changed our world.”
