2026 – National Memorial Arboretum
We organised a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum on 6th May 2026 for our members and for guests from Shropshire Senior Rainbow Friends and Diversity (South Staffs). Our visit included a welcome talk, a trip around the extensive site by land train and laying flowers at the new LGBT Armed Forces memorial that was unveiled by King Charles in October 2025.
The memorial is titled “An Opened Letter” and is modelled as a collage of words and phrases taken from the testimonies of veterans who were affected by the UK military’s “gay ban,” which lasted from 1967 until January 2000. It is part of a national apology for the way that LGBT+ people have previously been treated in the armed forces. The title refers to the fact that personal letters were so often used as evidence to convict LGBT+ people but the message on the memorial is a positive declaration that reads:
A battle for love, inclusion, respect, a place to belong, a safe space to share, to reflect on the past with promise of change, with hope and with strength, for justice and understanding, acceptance for all. Our service and sacrifice, our courage and resilience, our duty and honour. Together we stand tall and with pride without fear and pain, rejecting the shame and belonging in solidarity, renouncing prejudice and celebrating diversity in our country.
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