C o m m u n i t y
A
thought that
lasts . . . L
ocated in the heart of the country, within the National Forest near Lichfield, is the
National Memorial Arboretum. 150 acres of trees and memorials devoted to Remembrance.
The Arboretum is the home of the Armed Forces Memorial, a striking and emotive structure that gives recognition and thanks for those who have died whilst on duty or as a result of terrorist action since World War Two. It also acknowledges the enduring sacrifice of those who mourn their loss.
It is in this fitting location therefore that the RAF Association placed its own national remembrance garden. The first of its kind, it stands in memory of all those who have served in the RAF and Commonwealth air forces. The memorial itself is a three metre tall monument depicting a magnificent stainless steel eagle sitting on top of the world.
Over 1,000 current and former RAF personnel and their families attended the opening and dedication of the garden this Autumn by HRH The Princess Royal.
Guests included families of Servicemen of the RAF Regiment who were killed while on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan: SAC Matthew Caulwell, SAC Christopher Dunsmore, SAC Peter McFerran, SAC Christopher Bridge and LAC Martin Beard. Also present were members of the RAF Widows Association.
A wreath was given to Princess Anne to lay at the memorial by Elizabeth and Christina
40 Winter 2009
www.raf-ff.org.uk
Williams, aged 8 and 7, the daughters of Flt Lt David Williams who was killed when his Tornado encountered enemy fire on his return from operations near Kuwait in March 2003.
Following the sounding of the Last Post a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight over-flew the memorial. The Red Arrows also took part in the proceedings.
Individuals are able to remember their own loved ones who died in the service of the RAF by planting a cross in the garden. For further information, please call Liz Fredericks on 0116 268 8766 or visit
www.rafa.org.uk
For more information on the National Memorial Arboretum go to
www.thenma.org.uk
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