National Memorial Arboretum
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The National Memorial Arboretum is near Alrewas, Staffordshire, England.
It was established around 2000 on approximately 150 acres (600,000 m²) of old gravel workings adjacent to the River Tame, with its official opening on 16 May 2001. It is managed by The Royal British Legion and is part of the National Forest. It contains around 40,000 trees, with more being added each year.
Memorials have been established for many branches of the armed services, civilians involved in conflicts and other organisations, such as the police and fire service. There is also an arts centre, cafe and visitor centre.
A two-minute silence, accompanied by the Last Post and Reveille, is observed at 11am each day.
[edit] Origins
The idea for the arboretum was conceived by the director, 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.
Memorials include:
- Shot at dawn, a memorial to all soldiers executed by firing squad in World War I
- A memorial chapel
- A section of the Burma railway
- Merchant Navy
- Arctic Convoys
- Armed Forces Memorial
