RETURN & REMEMBER

The National Memorial Arboretum's wall of remembrance.

At the beginning of August Mrs B, her father and myself took our second visit to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, it is a moving place where many go to remember and think about all those who gave so much for this country and the very freedom our politicians have been so keen to shed over the years. 

When there I noticed they were holding a photographic competition and as a keen amateur snapper I could not resist taking part, even though the chances of winning were not good as the quality of the photos entered in recent competitions there were high. 

Today, Sunday 21st October, those who entered the competition were invited to attend the announcement of the winners and view their photos, along with all those who entered, like me, who did not win. None the less, our photos were there to view. It was an interesting afternoon and a great pleasure to see there was an under 18 category and that younger photographers took part and showed an interest. One young lady aged just 10 won a special commendation too. 

The winning photos will be going on the National Memorial Arboretum’s web site, many are quite moving and well worth viewing. On Sunday 11th November this year Remembrance Sunday and Armistice day will come together, no doubt the National Memorial Arboretum will be full as many will want to be there to remember their family and friends who have defended this country in far too many conflicts. 

The place for me that day will be at the Walsall Cenotaph with Fred, my father in law who did his bit in the Pacific fleet and whose father before him served in and survived the Great War. We must all remember what so many brave souls have done for us and given so much to ensure we can go about our daily lives in freedom. Our day at the Arboretum in Alrewas was, as always, of great interest, we will return and remember.