National Memorial Arboretum Ceremony - 2023

The 2023 commemorative ceremony, which took place on June 10th,  replaced the cancelled 2022 ceremony, which was due to the death of our Queen Elizabeth II.  It was to remember the 80th anniversary of the award of the George Cross to the People of Malta for their bravery during World War II.

The weather was wonderful, although possibly a little too warm for our magnificent Standard Bearers and Parade. 

The lovely buffet lunch was attended by 40 people and was held in one of the Arboretum function rooms. There were representatives from the Royal British Legion, the Merchant Navy and the Royal Navy Association. What an honour to have them join us. We thank the Royal British Legion for their support, especially Tony Matthews.

Our honoured guests were former British High Commissioner in Malta, Stuart Gill OBE and his wife Maggie.  The vicar The Reverend Stella Greenwood Priest in Charge of Etwall and Egginton Minister Responsible for Sutton on the Hill, Trusley and Dalbury, who was presiding at the ceremony also joined us for lunch. 

The National Chairman, Ray Wrigglesworth opened the lunch and later presented Stuart Gill with a small gift in gratitude for his attendance, and also his wife Maggie.

Before we departed for the memorial ceremony, Liz Williams gave a very interesting talk about how our memorial came to be. Liz is the daughter of Barbara Roberts who was a driving force in the establishing of our memorial.

The Parade Marshall, Derek Bunting then called the Parade to order for the march to the George Cross Island Association memorial. Those not marching made their way to the memorial.

The Standards from the Royal British Legion - Union Flag and Branch, The Royal Naval Association, The Merchant Navy and not forgetting our own GCIA Standard, The Parade Marshall and the Bugler, Adrian Harper all looked splendid, enduring the sun beating down on them without a murmur of discontent.  We are so grateful to them all.