Patron: HRH The Princess Royal
Introduction
Heritage is an important component of a nation’s identity, and can reflect the honour, pride and courage of its people. The remembrance of such people is never stronger than in the graveyards of the military. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) was founded in response to the First World War, but only takes care of graves that date from 1914 onwards. There is no one organisation that takes responsibility for graves and memorials before this date. As a result, many of the graves are in poor condition and are in need of repair. The Remembrance Trust has as an objective to find and, where possible, restore these monuments and graves of military personnel worldwide.
Goals
Although the goal of The Trust is the restoration of the memorials and graves, we also seek to aid local communities and educate and train future generations. The Trust’s work involves a mixture of experts and volunteers; experts to assess and carry out the restoration work and volunteers from UK youth organisations, students and military, as well as local communities and organisations. We aim to impart to these groups a knowledge of practical skills and craftsmanship and to promote an understanding of our shared history. Below is a guide to how the charity operates.
Research & Heritage
The Trust works to research and compile a database by finding the location of graves and memorials worldwide.
From 1700 to 1914, British and Commonwealth military fought all over the world, some willingly and for good causes, others less so. Often following them were their women and children, who suffered the same multitude of hardships and are also buried in the same or adjoining graveyards. All these people deserve to be honoured and their sacrifices remembered.
restoration & Skills
Where possible, we aim to restore gravesites using a network of skilled masons, architectural students and volunteers.
By restoring a site, we will not only enhance the community by teaching transferable skills, but to also increase tourism to the area, creating employment and adding to the local economy.
Click here to see some of our completed restorations.
Education & Community
We look for projects which offer educational opportunities for young people in the UK and Commonwealth, in order to increase their knowledge of our shared history.
By enlisting future generations, we are not only maintaining our heritage but imparting a better understanding of the conflicts that have shaped the world today.
Remembrance & Military
By documenting and restoring gravesites, we honour the memory of the fallen, and ensure that their story is not forgotten but understood and cherished by future generations.
We seek to engage the military with our projects, and link those currently serving with their heritage.
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