The 15th August is the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, marking both the surrender of Japan and the end of the Second World War. A Two Minute Silence will take place at 11am and will be the focal point of the commemorative service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire led by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.
So that visitors to the National Memorial Arboretum can take a rest or shelter from the weather, Lions Clubs in the British Isles and Ireland met the challenge of creating a purpose-built new shelter at the site.
Following months of fundraising, £30,000 was raised to pay for the building. HRH The Countess of Wessex, patron of Lions Clubs in the British Isles, officially opened the shelter on Wednesday 14 September 2011 at midday. Lions from across the UK gathered for this special event
The building has a screen where the names of members of the Lions family, who have passed to higher service during the last 12 months, are placed. This is renewed each year.
The National Memorial Arboretum is the UK’s year-round centre of Remembrance, designed to help people reflect, celebrate lives lived and commemorate lives lost in service. Covering 150 acres of beautiful woodland and gardens, it’s an uplifting place that’s full of life and meaning, somewhere both young and old will enjoy. Visitors from all walks of life number around 300,000 per year and include Service personnel, veterans, students of all ages, groups and individuals.
Lions Clubs are also very proud of their work with young people in developing the ethos of peace around the world and, as such, the winning picture from the annual Peace Poster and Poetry Competitions are displayed on a screen for people to view and read as they sit and reflect.
To learn more about what Bexhill Lions do visit our Facebook page and to find out how you can become a member call Lion Rick on 0345 833 9591.
