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  1. Remembrance
  2. Remembrance events

Remembering Afghanistan

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Remembering Afghanistan

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the end of combat operations by British Armed Forces in Afghanistan (Operation Herrick).

The UK had a military presence in Afghanistan from October 2001, when troops were deployed as part of the NATO response to the 11 September 2001 attacks, and then as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) which initially provided security and reconstruction teams. In 2006, British forces were sent to Southern Afghanistan to tackle a growing insurgency in the region, and experienced their heaviest fighting in Helmand.

By 2010, UK troop numbers reached their peak with 10,000 deployed across Afghanistan. Later the same year, discussions began over the withdrawal of NATO forces. In 2014, Britain formally ended all combat operations in the country.

Some 150,000 British Armed Forces personnel served in Afghanistan, and 457 lost their lives.

The service and sacrifice of those who served in Afghanistan and Operation Herrick will be marked with a short, private ceremony on the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire, followed by refreshments on the afternoon of Saturday 26th October.

Registration for this event has now closed.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

FAQ's

Booking in Advance

Do I need to book in advance to attend the Ceremony?

If you wish to visit the Ceremony on Saturday 26 October, you will be required to register yourself and your guests on the Royal British Legion website.

How do I know if my application has been successful?

Once you have completed the digital registration form for you and your guests, you will receive an immediate notification that your form has been submitted. We will then be in touch via email to confirm the outcome of your application.

How many guests can I register to attend the ceremony?

You can attend the ceremony with up to three guests. You will be required to register your guests on their behalf. Guests will each be required to present an e-ticket on the day of the ceremony.

When will I receive my e-ticket?

E-tickets will be emailed to guests from the week commencing Monday 14th October.

Can I use my confirmation email as an e-ticket?

You and your guests will all be required to present a valid e-ticket on the day to attend the private ceremony. The submission confirmation email will not be accepted as a valid form of e-ticket.

I have lost my e-ticket, is it possible to receive this again?

If you cannot find your e-ticket, please email [email protected], indicating the lead name under which your booking was made and our team will aim to resend your e-ticket. Queries that arrive outside of our opening hours will not be picked up until the next working day.

I don't have a printer, can I show my e-tickets on my phone?

Yes, you do not need to provide a printed copy of your ticket on the day of the ceremony. A digital copy of your valid e-ticket can be presented on the day of the ceremony.

Eligibility

Who will be eligible to attend the ceremony?

We invite those who served in Afghanistan to attend, including former and current members of the Armed Forces, and their families, and civilian contractors.

I was deployed to Afghanistan but did not serve in Operation Herrick. May I attend?

If you were operationally deployed to Afghanistan either before Operation Herrick (2002-2014) or after you are welcome to attend.

I am a family member of a person who passed away after his/her Afghanistan deployment. May I attend?

Yes, we welcome bereaved families, whether their loved one passed away while in service or in the time since.

I was a civilian contractor working in Afghanistan, may I attend?

If you were a civilian contractor working in support of British armed forces or security, or in support of Afghanistan civil society, then you are welcome to attend.

On The Day

What time will the Arboretum open on Saturday 26 October 2024.

The National Memorial Arboretum will open at 10am.

All service ticket holders will need to be on the Armed Forces Memorial by no later than 1.45pm (there will be no admittance to the Armed Forces Memorial after this time).

What is the dress code for the event?

The dress code for the event is the following for Serving Military personnel: RN - No 1B, RM - No1B (Lovat), Army - No2 Dress, RAF - No 1 SD (Incl. medals, less swords). For Civilian and Veterans: Day Dress / Lounge Suit (incl. medals).

Will parking be included for this event?

Entry to the Remembering Afghanistan ceremony is by pre-registered e-ticket only. The National Memorial Arboretum is free, but parking charges do apply – we recommend booking your parking in advance via the Arboretum’s website thenma.org.uk.

Where will I be required to park?

We will be utilising all of the parking areas at the Arboretum. Please follow the instructions of the parking attendants on duty who will direct you to a parking area.

I have booked parking for multiple people; will the other members of my party need confirmation?

To ensure the Arboretum’s team can appropriately welcome visitors to site, please ensure that you have your parking confirmation  ready to present , either on a phone or paper upon arrival at the Arboretum.

I have a blue badge where will I be required to park?

A limited number of blue badge spaces are available close to the entrance to the Arboretum which will be issued on a first-come-first served basis. Please note that parking charges apply to all vehicles including blue badge holders. A pick-up/ drop-off point is also available close to the entrance. Please follow the instructions of the Arboretum parking attendants on duty.

Can I book a mobility scooter or wheelchair?

The Arboretum has a limited number of both manual wheelchairs (by donation) and motorised scooters (£10.00) which can be booked by calling 01283 245 100.

I am travelling via public transport. How can I get to the National Memorial Arboretum?

Please see the Arboretum website (Getting Here | Plan Your Visit | National Memorial Arboretum (thenma.org.uk)

Are service animals permitted to attend the private ceremony?

Only Assistance dogs are permitted onto the Armed Forces Memorial and into Aspects. For further information, please see the Arboretum’s website: Visiting With Dogs | Plan Your Visit | National Memorial Arboretum (thenma.org.uk)

Is the venue accessible?

The National Memorial Arboretum aims to cater to the needs of all visitors and will try to accommodate all access requirements where possible. Please visit the NMA website for further details: Accessibility | Plan Your Visit | National Memorial Arboretum (thenma.org.uk). If you have a specific access requirement, please contact [email protected].

Where can I find out more about visiting the Arboretum?

 There is further information about visiting the Arboretum on their website: Home | National Memorial Arboretum (thenma.org.uk)

Do ticket holders need to bring anything with them on the day?

You will be asked to present your e-ticket either in a digital or printed format, and each ticket holder in your party should be able to produce photographic identification at the registration desk should this be requested. This can include a passport, driving license, EU identity card, Armed Forces identity card or firearms certificate. Failure to present suitable photographic identification will result in the prevention of entry to the service area. Please note that random bag searches maybe carried out by the Police and or contracted security services and only small handbags will be permitted to the service area.

Will the service go ahead in inclement weather?

The Remembering Afghanistan service will take place in the event of inclement weather.

 A small handbag sized umbrella will be permitted at the event, however large golf umbrellas cannot be used.

What time will the service begin?

Visitors with tickets to attend the service on the Armed Forces Memorial are required to be on the memorial for the service by no later than 1.45pm, as the service will commence at 2.00pm.

Can I purchase a wreath and floral tribute to lay during the service?

Wreaths and individual tokens of Remembrance, such as fresh flowers or poppy tributes, may be laid after the short ceremony. 

Wreaths and Poppy Tributes are available to purchase from the Poppy Shop online here: Poppy Shop UK | Charity Gifts | The Royal British Legion Shop

Can I watch the service if I haven't got a ticket to watch the service on the Armed Forces Memorial?

 The ceremony is not being recorded or relayed to any other location at the Arboretum or online.

Will I be able to bring my standard to parade during the ceremony?

We will not be inviting any standards to be part of this private ceremony. 

Will there be a reception following the private ceremony?

Yes, following the private ceremony, refreshments will be served in Aspects at the Arboretum, from 2.30pm.

Will dietary requirements be accounted for?

Yes, there will be an opportunity during the registration process for all guests to indicate any dietary requirements.

Does my e-ticket also permit attendance to the reception following the ceremony?

Yes, your e-ticket also covers your attendance to the post-ceremony reception. You will be required to present your e-ticket on arrival at Aspects.

If you have any questions, please contact the Remembrance Events Team at [email protected]

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