Memorials that last a lifetime

The year 2018 marks a poignant turn in one of the darkest chapters in our history. To commemorate one hundred years since the ending of World War One, people from across the globe have taken the opportunity to stop and pause, reflecting on the ongoing impact of the conflict and acknowledging the huge sacrifice made by generations past.

No individual, family or community has been left untouched by its lasting legacy, and this year’s programme of events and activities has been a chance to honour those who fought and died in the Great War.

Honouring the past

Before Armistice was declared on November 11, 1918, millions of lives had been lost. From its inception in 1917 (before the war had even ended) the Imperial War Graves Commission set out to commemorate the dead and to ensure that the fallen would never be forgotten.

Now known as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the organisation has assumed responsibility for building and maintaining cemeteries and memorials at around 23 locations throughout the world.

To this day, it upholds the principles that each of the dead should be remembered with a name on a headstone or memorial, that such headstones should be permanent, and that there is no distinction to be made on account of military rank, race or creed.

Future generations will not forget

The idea of permanence is an important one. An enduring memorial or gravestone serves as a poignant reminder, allowing each successive generation to continue to remember – although time, inevitably, marches on.

Indeed, look a little closer at even our busiest cities and it is clear that the bravery of the men and women who lost their lives during World War One will not be forgotten.

Famously, there is the tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey, and the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, which serves as the site of the capital’s annual Remembrance Service.

Meanwhile, visitors to Brompton Cemetery will recognise the memorial of Flight Sub-Lieutenant Reginald Alexander John Warneford, who was awarded the Victoria Cross when he shot down a Zeppelin.

Memorials that last a lifetime

Gravestone headstones or memorials are so much more than just a ‘mark’ you feel you must include to remember a loved one lost. They are a symbol that should reflect the individual in the form of an inscription or an ornament.

For enquiries about bespoke headstones, gravestones, monuments and memorial plaques, please contact Davis Memorials.