Public invited to remember and honour those affected by Covid pandemic at National Memorial Arboretum on ‘COVID-19 Day of Reflection’

The National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas will be inviting people to lay a floral tribute at the Trees of Life Glade on Sunday, March 9, which is the official Covid-19 Day of Reflection.

The Trees of Life Glade is a living tribute to those who served the country throughout the pandemic, and to remember all those who died as a result of Covid-19 in the UK.

The National Memorial Arboretum is free to visit, and throughout the day on March 9 between 10am and 4pm, visitors will be able to select a single fresh flower and lay it within the Trees of Life Glade in an act of their own Remembrance. 

The Arboretum will also lead short moments of reflection at 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm, including a reading of the poem "Blessed Alder" by Dan Simpson, former Arboretum Poet-in-Residence.

Director of National Memorial Arboretum Philippa Rawlinson said: "On the Covid-19 Day of Reflection, we invite all our visitors to join the Nation in reflecting on the sacrifices made by health workers, key workers, scientists, communities and volunteers up and down the country during that unprecedented time, and by remembering those who lost loved ones during the pandemic.

“For many, it will have been extremely hard to move on from the devastation and loss caused by the disease. 

"As the Nation’s year-round place to Remember, we understand that people need somewhere they can remember and reflect at any time, not just on significant anniversaries.

“We created the Trees of Life Glade in response to a deluge of requests for us to offer somewhere permanent to commemorate the incredible service and sacrifice of key workers during the pandemic, but also somewhere people could go at any time to remember those who had tragically lost their lives and to help support the process of healing.”

The trees in the glade, planted in partnership between the National Memorial Arboretum and the National Forest Company, were blessed by representatives from diverse communities of faith at Westminster Abbey during a special Service of Remembrance in October 2022.

Entry to the National Memorial Arboretum is free of charge, but booking in advance via the Arboretum website is recommended to guarantee entry and save on parking at thenma.org.uk/what's-on/events/covid-19-day-of-reflection