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National naval memorial unveiled in Staffordshire National naval memorial unveiled in Staffordshire
(about 1 hour later)
A memorial for all those who have served in the Royal Navy and associated services has been unveiled the National Memorial Arboretum. A memorial for all those who have served in the Royal Navy and associated services has been unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum.
The glass sculpture at Alrewas, Staffordshire, was commissioned by the Royal Naval Association (RNA) which described it as the nation's first "all inclusive memorial". The glass sculpture at Alrewas, Staffordshire, was commissioned by the Royal Naval Association (RNA) which described it as the nation's first "al- inclusive memorial".
Prince Michael of Kent performed the ceremony in front of 1500 veterans. Prince Michael of Kent performed the ceremony in front of 1,500 veterans.
It will be known as the Naval Service Memorial.It will be known as the Naval Service Memorial.
The memorial is made up of 13 glass panels, which its designer Graeme Mitcheson described as "sails of coloured glass" representing the oceans around the world.The memorial is made up of 13 glass panels, which its designer Graeme Mitcheson described as "sails of coloured glass" representing the oceans around the world.
A bowed figure stands beside the panels, facing the setting sun and when light passes through them, Mr Mitcheson said "the shadows will project onto this white terrace and it will become like a pool of water of the five oceans." A bowed figure stands beside the panels, facing the setting sun and when light passes through them, Mr Mitcheson said, "the shadows will project onto this white terrace and it will become like a pool of water of the five oceans."
The theme for the memorial was described as being: "At the going down of the sun we will remember them'.The theme for the memorial was described as being: "At the going down of the sun we will remember them'.
Mr Mitcheson said: "It's been a real honour, this has taken up my life for the last 12 months."Mr Mitcheson said: "It's been a real honour, this has taken up my life for the last 12 months."
Smaller memorialsSmaller memorials
Captain Paul Quinn, General Secretary of the RNA, explained the navy wanted to create "something for everyone".Captain Paul Quinn, General Secretary of the RNA, explained the navy wanted to create "something for everyone".
He said there was a collection of smaller naval memorials.He said there was a collection of smaller naval memorials.
"[But] we didn't have anything for the naval service, which is the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, the Wrens and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary," he said."[But] we didn't have anything for the naval service, which is the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, the Wrens and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary," he said.
Arboretum officials said the idea had been in the planning for a number of years.Arboretum officials said the idea had been in the planning for a number of years.
It has been created to mark the 60th anniversary of the RNA getting its Royal Charter.It has been created to mark the 60th anniversary of the RNA getting its Royal Charter.