National Memorial Arboretum

I went to the Arboretum some years ago, when the various plantings were still undeveloped. The memorials were moving, however, and I would like to go there again to see how it has evolved.

It should be a haven of peace amidst the stark reminders of the true cost of conflict, but I weep buckets when I'm there and can't help but feel a combination of sorrow, rage and frustration. The Armed Forces Memorial records so very many names and each one is someone's child - it's heartbreaking.
The setting however is beautiful and the art works are very well designed and some are particularly moving.

Anything relating to carnage in war and of the young people and not so young who will never come back leaves me in absolute bits.

It would indeed suebailey1

I visited once with my late MiL, who served in the WAFs, and it was very moving.

I went there for the first time two weeks ago and found it an amazing place altogether. We were fortunate to be there on the same day as several Chelsea Pensioners. I would very much like to visit again as it's impossible to take it all in at one go,even travelling on the little train..

I think this would make a very nice place for a Gransnet meet-up.

Ooh - claim to fame alert! My son sang at the opening in 2007, for the Queen. (Winchester chorister)

We have been twice, once for a dedication, and would like to go again.

I saw this on the news, it looks like a lovely memorial sculpture, but I did hope it was perspex rather than glass [which could be easily broken.]My Father served in the Royal Navy too sue [during the war years] and my DH served in the RN for a while too[1970's] so we must go and visit.

I visited a few years back and would like to go again.

It was a moving experience.

What a beautiful place. This is the website for the National Memorial Arboretum. www.thenma.org.uk/

It's somewhere I want to go Sue - thank you for telling us about it.