Introduction to Wreath of Respect.

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The Wreath of Respect is a project set up in 2014 and now in its 8th year.

The Wreath was commissioned by an anonymous donor to commemorate the Centenary of the start of WW1 and to show appreciation and respect for all who have been affected by conflict whether they served or not and their families and descendants.

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The Wreath also acknowledges the sacrifice and service of all animals, represented by the horseshoe supporting the hand-made wreath of metal poppies. The horse-shoe was gifted to the project and came from one of the horses which pulled the gun carriage bringing soil from Flanders Fields to the Memorial Garden at Horseguards.

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 Over the years the Wreath of Respect has travelled round the United Kingdom and overseas, where it has been laid at memorials and sites connected to the military. It is hoped future travels of the Wreath will be supported and funded by voluntary donations from members of the public, the corporate sector and the military.

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 It is also anticipated funds for Military charities and appropriate organisations will benefit from donations raised by the Wreath's attendance at events The Wreath of Respect will continue travelling around the UK and Northern Ireland and locations farther afield around the world where requested and appropriate. When not attending Remembrance and Dedication ceremonies the Wreath is looked after and laid to rest at The Staffordshire Regiment Museum at Whittington, Lichfield, and Staffordshire.

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The Wreath of Respect is intended as a medium for reflection not just for serving and non-serving uniformed personnel, it is also a way of saying thank you to all those who gave their lives, the casualties in WW1, WW2, past and on-going conflicts. During these conflicts many Moms, Dads, Brothers, Sisters, Nans, Grandads and families have to carry on with their lives when their loved ones have been away on service. Our heartfelt thoughts and gratitude go out to those who wait in anticipation of their loved ones safe return.

 

We have all seen the amazing pictures from the D-Day landings and all commented on how remarkable these events are. We feel that many people would like to show respect but, do not have the time to show support. The Wreath started its journey of Respect from the National Memorial Arboretum in July 2014 and travelled round the United Kingdom supported by motorcyclists and other Members from clubs and organisations supportive of the Armed Forces and the ethos of the Wreath of Respect.

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During the respectful journey and at each City, Town, and Village the Wreath visits, Serving and Non-Serving personnel and members of the public will be able to see and hold the Wreath, take time to reflect and have personal thoughts of what it means to them.. On some of the nights, the Wreath will be laid to rest with a service and blessing for members of the general public and those entrusted with carrying the Wreath to each destination.

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We believe there may be Books of Remembrance opened for your thoughts to be put into writing; it may be a message to a lost or loved one. The Wreath of Respect is a project that will be bring people together to say thank you to all those who have given so much.

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To all that are involved in the Wreath of Respect, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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 "They shall grow not old,

 as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them,

nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun

and in the morning

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We will remember them".