The LGBT+ Armed Forces Community Memorial project has reached several important milestones this month and remains on time and within budget, thanks to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.
A key highlight was the groundbreaking event held in early July at the National Memorial Arboretum. This deeply moving and reflective occasion marked the symbolic start of construction. It brought together veterans, serving personnel, members of the project Steering Group, and Fighting With Pride CEO, Peter Gibson. There was a great sense of community as attendees gathered to witness the beginning of this lasting tribute to LGBT+ members of the Armed Forces Community.
Short speeches were given to mark the moment. Roly Woods, the Memorial Officer, reflected on the journey so far and the importance of visibility, remembrance, and healing. Peter Gibson reflected on the crucial role of the Etherton Review in shaping this memorial, highlighting that three of the Review’s key recommendations focused on memorialisation, leading to the government grant awarded to Fighting With Pride that is funding this project.
The memorial, titled “An Opened Letter”, is being created by the Abraxas Academy artists collective and their incredible vision is now becoming a reality. The main bronze structure is nearing completion, with much of the shaping and welding already done. The piece promises to be both bold and beautiful — a work of quiet strength and powerful symbolism.
In parallel, the British York stone base plinth, featuring hand-carved dedications, is also progressing well. Watching the inscriptions take shape has been especially poignant, as each word carries deep meaning for the community and those who will visit in the future.
Work is also underway on a dedicated website for the memorial. This site will be accessed via a discreetly embedded QR code on the structure. Madison Solutions, the team behind the Fighting With Pride website, have generously offered to develop and support this new digital resource free of charge. As part of this we would like to include some video testimonials to make it engaging and interactive. If you would like to have a short video recorded, 2-3 minutes, telling your story, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected] for information.
Looking ahead, the team continues to work closely with both the Arboretum and Abraxas to finalise the remaining elements of the project. The dedication ceremony is currently scheduled for late October, with an official date to be confirmed in the near future.
The Ministry of Defence’s Office for Veterans’ Affairs (MoD-OVA) has confirmed that financial support will be available for veterans travelling long distances to attend the event. Fighting With Pride will oversee the travel support process, and invitations will be issued by the MoD-OVA.
This memorial represents a powerful step forward in recognising and honouring the service and sacrifices of the LGBT+ Armed Forces Community. The team is proud to deliver a tribute that will resonate for generations to come.
Roly Woods and Kevin Bazeley
Memorial Project Officers
Fighting With Pride
Images from the groundbreaking event
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