On the 23 April, 9 of our WW1 Ambassadors visited the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire. The purpose of the visit was to further enhance the Ambassadors’ understanding of the way people remember those involved in conflict and to inspire them in their own designs to create a memorial within the school grounds.
The group were given a brief guided tour of the site, visiting the Armed Forces, Basra Wall, Shot At Dawn and 1914 Christmas Truce Memorials before having time to explore the site and reflect on what they saw. Jessica Muggeridge, one of the WW1 Ambassadors, utilised her journalistic skills to discuss the group’s visit and the impact it had on them in the report she submitted to the Headteacher and Governors.
"The National Memorial Arboretum offers pride for the fallen and a place for veterans and family members to visit. It is open to the public; honouring the men and women who have fought in wars since WW1. There are around 300 memorials which leave a beautiful and lasting tribute to those who fought, while the guided walks and talks offered help to give you a glimpse into the past. What happened? Who to? When? Where?
It is heartbreaking knowing how many of the courageous soldiers who lost their lives could not be named, and awful to discover just how many young boys were allowed to fight, some as young as 15. They would lie about their ages so they could be heroic; but they didn’t know how hard and treacherous it would be.
This was an inspiring and emotional visit and Alrewas deserves recognition as both a place of learning and a place where those who have lost someone in the war can go to grieve."
- Jessica Muggeridge
You can watch a video tour from the National Memorial Arboretum, or better still, it is only an hour away and definitely worth a visit! For more details visit www.thenma.org.uk
