Armed Forces CRG - Powering Remembrance
On Friday 31 October 2025, members of the Armed Forces CRG visited the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) in Staffordshire. This visit provided an opportunity for the group to connect at a place dedicated to honouring those who have served and sacrificed in support of the Armed Forces and Emergency Services.
The day began with the daily Act of Remembrance in the Millennium Chapel, followed by a private talk at the poignant Shot at Dawn Memorial, which commemorates 309 British and Commonwealth soldiers executed for reasons such as desertion, cowardice and sleeping at post during the First World War (more information here: Shot at Dawn Restoration | News | National Memorial Arboretum). The remainder of the visit allowed for personal reflection and exploration of some of the 400 memorials across the 150-acre site.
The Armed Forces CRG is committed to diversity, inclusion and respect, and we proudly uphold the belief that everyone has the right to be treated fairly. In line with these values, we laid a wreath on behalf of SP ENW at the LGBT Armed Forces Memorial, which recognises the profound trauma inflicted by the military’s former ban on LGBTQ+ personnel. This memorial was officially opened by King Charles III on Monday 27 October 2025.
Image: Laying a wreath on the new LGBTQ+ memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum:
What did our colleagues say?
Chris Armstrong – SLT Sponsor: “It was truly an honour to join the group in this solemn act of remembrance for the sacrifices made by so many.”
Sean Ward – Royal Navy Veteran: “It was great to be part of the Armed Forces CRG to lay a wreath and attend the last post ceremony. It was a meaningful experience seeing the memorials commemorating all those who lost their lives whilst serving, not just in the armed forces but emergency services, civilian services and beyond”
Lee Whelan – British Army Veteran: “What a fantastic yet very humbling experience it was visiting and hearing the stories behind the “Shot at Dawn” memorial, I am pleased to see and hear that we have moved on and now offer support to veterans who risked everything in their line of duty as opposed to sentencing them to death when they clearly needed help and support”.
Amy Pollitt – Cadet Forces Adult Volunteer (RAF): “As a new starter with SP ENW it was a valuable day spent connecting with colleagues who are common interests”.