The Arboretum was officially opened to the public in 2001, though planting had begun some 4 years earlier. From the website: "Since planting began in 1997, the National Memorial Arboretum has been a special place honouring those who have served, and continue to serve, our nation in many different ways. It’s not a cemetery. It’s a place of life, represented by the 50,000 trees planted here, where older and younger generations alike can wander and wonder. Covering 150 acres, the Arboretum has something for everyone. For some it’s a wonderful place to stroll and enjoy the trees; for others it's a peaceful and beautiful place to remember loved ones, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country."
When we arrived at the Arboretum, the guide informed us that to walk the whole site and see all the memorials would probably take around 3 days! It was a lovely, sunny day, and we managed to visit a good number of the 300 or so dedicated memorials spread over the large site. We began, however, by sharing in a short act of remembrance which takes place in the chapel at 11am each day. The chapel itself was a fascinating place, with its symbolism reflecting various elements of the Christian faith. I particularly like the wood carving depicting Jesus teaching children (though one of them isn't paying much attention!)
Many of the memorials, of course, are designed to remember those who gave their lives serving their country in the various strands of our Armed Forces. There are also, however, a number of other memorials. There were, for example, memorial areas for The Boys' Brigade, The Quakers, The Fire and Rescue Service, and the Post Office and other groups. I certainly didn't get the feeling that there was any glorification of war (the chapel is named "The Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness.") Rather, there was a recognition of the great suffering caused by war, and a giving thanks for the many who have given their lives in different ways in service of their fellow men and women.
There are so many thoughts going through my head as I reflect on our visit (and I certainly want to go back some time), but I share two reflections. Firstly, as one begins to comprehend the scale of the tragedy of the vast loss of human life, and so many young lives cut off in their prime, it is dreadful when we realise that we human beings seem so incapable of learning the lessons of our own history. Every death remembered at the Arboretum tore a family apart and caused terrible wounds almost imposible to fully heal. Yet as we look around the world today we see so many conflicts still raging; so many situations where human beings are committing untold acts of atrocity and violence against other human beings. And we think we are so advanced! God have mercy!
Finally, of all the memorials we visited, perhaps the most touching was the "Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity Memorial", which is a memorial to children who were either stillborn or died very shortly after birth. Scattered throughout the garden are very many stones, each bearing the name of a baby who had died. It was a heartbreaking and extremely moving experience, and it is hard to imagine what the parents of those children had experienced. Like so many of the memorials, it gave cause to pause, reflect and pray.
I thank God that death is not the end of life. Through faith in Jesus Christ we can have the assurance of life eternal in the presence of the God who created us and loves us. 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' Revelation 21:4.
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