On Monday, 27th of October 2025, His Majesty The King joined nearly 300 Veterans, Serving Personnel and invited guests, including the srtists of Abraxas Academy, to the dedication for the LGBT+ Armed Forces Community Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
It was hugely symbolic that the head of the UK Armed Forces chose this event for his first, formal LGBTQ+ event and was seen by the Veterans as the final step needed in the apology from The State that was recommended by the late Lord Etherton in his LGBT Veterans Independent Review.
The Chair of the Board of Trustees, Ed Hall, greeted The King on his Arrival, and accompanied him along the main avenue, lined by nearly 100 current Serving Personnel from the 3 service LGBTQ+ networks, before taking his seat in front of the incredible memorial, “An Opened Letter”.
Speeches followed from Ed hall, Brigadier Clare Phillips and the new Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP before a flower laying ceremony by the King and others accompanied to the a cappella voices of Virtual Q singing the beautiful, “Something Inside so Strong.” The King then took time to speak to Roly Woods, Memorial Officer, Nina Bilbey from The Abraxas Academy followed by 7 Veterans impacted by the ban and 7 current Serving Personnel.
This was a wonderful day of reflection and healing. It brought Veterans, many of whom had had little or no contact with the military since their dismissals and discharges, back into the military family. It was hugely emotional but a significant part of the reparations that the Veterans are due.
The memorial stands in pride of place near the areas for all of the services and is easily accessible for all. It is a stunning piece of great beauty that has come from the words of our Veterans. it reflects on the hurt and pain of the past, but looks at the positivity of change and hope for the future. This will be a permanent place for veterans and current serving personnel to visit and reflect on the values of service; duty, honour, sacrifice, strength and courage.
Highlights from the dedication Event for the LGBT+ Armed Forces Community memorial
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