Veteran suicide memorial to travel to arboretum

Sunday 13 September 2026, 11am
National Memorial Arboretum, Croxall Road, Alrewas, Staffordshire, DE13 7AR

On Sunday 13 September, the National Memorial Arboretum is hosting a ceremony for the dedication of a tribute to veterans and serving Armed Forces personnel who have died by suicide: the Elysium Memorial. In June, the site welcomed the memorial’s ‘Guard of Honour’, which consisted of approximately 150 motorcyclists who accompanied the arrival of the stonework for the sculpture.

The Elysium Memorial Foundation is a charity founded by Edward Mackenzie, dedicated to increasing awareness of veteran mental health and remembering the men and women who have lost their lives to suicide after honourably serving their country. The memorial will offer families, friends and colleagues a special place to hold their loved ones in their thoughts, honour their service, and reflect together as one.

Order of Service

• Welcome address and prayer
• Prayer
• Reading for dedication
• Padre’s address
• A one-minute’s silence
• Piper performance – Flowers of the Forest
• Wreath laying accompanied by trumpet – The Funeral composed by Ennio Morricone
• The Lord’s Prayer
• Closing address – Edward Mackenzie

Following the service, individuals will be invited to lay their own wreaths, speak with representatives from the Elysium Memorial Foundation, and share stories and memories of their loved ones.