National Memorial Arboretum breaks ground for new memorial to Caribbean Armed Forces personnel
Published: Thursday 08 Sep 2022
Fifty people attended a ground-breaking ceremony for the National Caribbean Monument at the National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, the Nation’s year-round place to remember.
Andy Street, Mayor the West Midlands, (right) helps to break ground for a new memorial to Caribbean Armed Forces at National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Armed Forces personnel, veterans, their families and descendants were joined by Andy Street (Mayor of the West Midlands) and representatives from the High Commission for Barbados.
“The National Caribbean Monument is a fitting tribute to the thousands of men and women from the Caribbean who served in the British Armed Forces during both World Wars, subsequent conflicts and indeed those that continue to serve as personnel around the world today,“ said Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands. “Once complete, this imposing sculpture will be a fantastic addition to the National Memorial Arboretum – our nation’s year-round remembrance space where we preserve for future generations these important stories of heroism. The National Caribbean Monument will take its place alongside over 400 other memorials to those who have served our country.
“We will forever be grateful for the unyielding efforts they made to protect the freedoms that we hold dear. This poignant and permanent memorial to their service and sacrifice will ensure we never neglect nor forget their contribution. As Mayor of such a wonderfully diverse region – blessed with a substantial Caribbean diaspora population - I was keen to support this initiative so I’m delighted to see this project come to fruition.”
Sponsored by The National Caribbean Monument Charity, the new memorial will commemorate the service of Armed Forces personnel from the Caribbean when it is installed and dedicated at the 150-acre garden and woodland site. It will sit alongside the National Memorial Arboretum's more than 400 existing memorials dedicated to those who have served in the Armed Forces, emergency services and community voluntary groups.
“Today is a momentous day as we get one step closer to installing a memorial in recognition of the service and sacrifices made by Caribbean men and women in the British Armed Forces,” said Winston White, Chair of the National Caribbean Monument Charity. “Thousands of people journeyed across the ocean from the Caribbean to support the UK during both world wars, serving valiantly alongside personnel from Britain and across the Commonwealth, supporting this country in its hour of greatest need. Today, Caribbean personnel continue to make a significant contribution to the British Armed Forces and our aim is for the memorial to instil a lasting cultural and educational legacy for present and future generations, ensuring that these inspirational stories are preserved forever more.”