Published: Thursday, 4th February, 2010 8:00am

Letter: Plant a memorial for veterans

by Correspondent

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I am sure most readers were pleased to read Simon Gambling's letter suggesting what he would like to see a memorial in remembrance of our armed forces who have lost their lives in the current and recent overseas conflicts.

He suggested a wall with the names of the fallen on it. This already exists, it is the striking Armed Forces Memorial at the heart of The National Memorial Arboretum, which is near Lichfield in Staffordshire. It currently shows the names of all those who have died while on duty since the end of the Second World War. The wall is on a circular plan with the names inscribed and the year they died. Let us hope the blank walls, allowing for the future, are never needed. Simon also mentions a service of remembrance and the planting of a tree. As far as I am aware there is such a service held every morning in the chapel at the National Memorial Arboretum, with a two minute silence at 11am. The planting of a tree with a plaque at the arboretum can be arranged by contacting info@thenma.org.uk and www.myremembranceday.org.uk will give details to have a poppy planted, with a tribute, in the National Remembrance Garden.

Brian Lewendon, press and publicity officer, Tilehurst RB Legion