As the proud home of the National Memorial Arboretum, the county is preparing to celebrate the site’s 25th anniversary.
Set up in Alrewas, near Lichfield, the nation’s year-round place of remembrance was the brainchild of Royal Navy veteran Commander David Childs CBE. It transformed a collection of muddy fields in the Staffordshire countryside into an inspirational living tribute to those who serve our nation.
After years of planning and preparation, the estate opened to the public in May 2001. The 150-acre visitor destination now has more than 420 memorials commemorating the service of members of the Armed Forces, Emergency Services and civilian organisations.
Over its two and a half decades, the NMA has hosted thousands of remembrance events, with many attended by members of the royal family. This includes His Majesty The King, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales.
Martin Murray, Leader at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“The National Memorial Arboretum is of such national and international importance, and we are incredibly proud that this special place found its home in Staffordshire.
“For 25 years, the Arboretum has provided a space where people can come together to reflect, remember and learn, whatever their background or connection to the many stories preserved within this living remembrance landscape.
“This anniversary is not just about looking back at how far the Arboretum has come, but recognising its ongoing role in bringing communities together and ensuring remembrance remains meaningful for future generations.”
The site is also an important part of the county’s visitor economy, welcoming over 300,000 visitors and hosting over 250 events every year.
A special weekend of celebrations will take place on Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May, with live music, storytelling performances and reflective moments, alongside the launch of a new series of daily activities and exhibitions. The weekend is part of “25 Years of…”, a year-long programme of exhibitions, events and activities celebrating the stories and milestones that have shaped the Arboretum since it opened to the public on 16 May 2001.
More information about the anniversary weekend and its events can be found on the National Memorial Arboretum website.
