Armed Forces Memorial will stage commemoration of those who served.
On the evening of 4th August 2014, the date which marks 100 years since Britain entered World War I, the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire will hold a candlelit vigil on the Armed Forces Memorial to commemorate all who served and sacrificed during the War.
The moving service will include prayers, readings, music and poetry and will give visitors to the Arboretum, which is part of The Royal British Legion family of charities, a rare opportunity to explore its beautiful grounds in the evening.
“The Armed Forces Memorial lit by candles at dusk will be a particularly poignant sight” said managing director, Sarah Montgomery. “Everyone is welcome to join us to light a candle and remember the sacrifices made and the loss suffered by so many during the Great War”.
The Arboretum’s diverse World War I Centenary commemorative programme was launched in the spring with the introduction of three special self-led trails to enable visitors of all ages to discover many of the trees and memorials linked to the Great War by fascinating people and stories.
Other events this summer include an outdoor screening of Stephen Spielburg’s War Horse on the evening of Tuesday 22nd July. The Arboretum at twilight will provide an atmospheric setting for Luna Cinema’s showing of this modern day classic and visitors are welcome to bring along a picnic to enjoy.
A series of special World War I Weekends is planned to provide families with the opportunity to learn together and engage in the commemorations over the next four years. Designed to be enjoyable yet thought-provoking, a variety of special activities, including World War I trails, talks, craft activities and costumed interpreters will take place this summer; on the weekends of 26-27 July and 16-17 August. A children’s World War I drama workshop is also planned for Saturday 16 August.
Julie Edwards & Ron Thompson of Planet Art will be the Artists in Residence at the Arboretum for a week, from 28th July to 4th August. They will create a large outdoor artwork using the themes of Remembrance and World War I, which visitors are invited to help build and to add their own creative ideas.
In addition to its onsite trails and activities the Arboretum will be welcoming visitors as part of The Staffordshire Great War Trail throughout the World War I centenary period; linking it with the Cannock Chase military training camps and war cemeteries and The Staffordshire Regiment Museum, to give a comprehensive picture of Staffordshire’s contribution to the Great War.
For further details of the World War I Weekends or to reserve a place for the World War I drama workshop, visit: www.thenma.org.uk/events/world-war-i-weekends
To purchase tickets for the Luna Cinema evening, call: 0844 858 6767 or visit: www.thelunacinema.com/nma/4584061428