The memorial is a unique treasure

County backs armed forces memorial National Lottery bid

The county council is backing a bid by the county's armed forces memorial to become Britain's most loved National Lottery supported project

The National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas near Burton is competing against two other projects in the finals of the Best Heritage Project category of the National Lottery Awards. 

To win the memorial needs votes.

The National Lottery Awards are an annual search to find the UK's favourite Lottery-funded projects. The aim is to celebrate and recognise the difference that those projects have made to people, places and communities across the UK.

Winning the award will help the memorial further commemorate the brave service people.  It will also help acknowledge the suffering of the families and loved ones left behind, including those affected by current conflicts.

John Taylor, Leader of Staffordshire County Council said: "The National Memorial Arboretum is truly worthy of the Best Heritage Project Award. Members of our armed forces are often placed in positions of great danger, and many have made the ultimate sacrifice.

"The arboretum is unique, and is a place of tranquillity and dignity. It is special to the loved ones of many of our service personnel and is a national treasure that we are proud to have in Staffordshire."

National Memorial Arboretum Chief Executive, Charlie Bagot Jewitt, said: "It is a place where families, friends and comrades can come and pay their respects.  Many come grief-stricken and find a sort of peace through visiting this special place where the fallen will always be remembered. "          

The final round of public voting runs until August 8.  Simply visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards and click on the Best Heritage Project category and cast your vote! 

Alternatively you can call   0845 386 4459   to register your phone vote.

For more information on the National Memorial Arboretum go to:

http://www.nationalmemorialarboretum.org/

Page Last Modified: 24/07/2008 09:47:48

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