On Tuesday, 24th June 2025 a number of veterans and serving personnel from all services gathered in The Forge on the Holkham Estate in Norfolk to meet the artists from Abraxas Academy and see the progress on the National LGBT+ Armed Forces Community Memorial.
While as a memorial team Roly Woods and Kevin Bazeley had seen some of the progress, this was the first time any of them got to see the memorial on its path to completion.
Even in an unfinished state, not yet welded together, not polished to its final finish, it’s impact was dramatic. For everyone it was an emotional experience and for many seeing the words in metal, coming from the design they helped inspire with their own words and histories, moved them to tears.
The artists then invited those present to ‘leave their mark’ on the memorial as everyone had an opportunity to wield a hammer and create part of the texture required on the base. This small task really helped all who are present to feel that they have been part of it’s construction.
Great progress has been made, but still lots of work to complete in order to be ready for installation at the National Memorial Arboretum, late August. In particular the letter carvers have 15 letters a day they need to carve to hit the deadline! But the artists of Abraxas Academy are totally committed and confident that not only will they complete on time but this will be a truly stunning and memorial installation and fitting memorial recognising the hurt, pain and sacrifice of veterans impacted by the ban, progress made since its lifting and the courage strength and sacrifice of ALL LGBT+ who have served, and continue to serve their country.
The day was followed by a crew from BBC Look East who filmed this segment broadcast ion the show that evening
“An Opened Letter”
Images from the visit to Holkham Forge
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