The Reconciliation Stone - Anglo-Japanese Grove - The National Memorial Arboretum, Croxall Road, Alrewas, Staffordshire, UK - Peace Memorials on Waymarking.com

A very important symbolism of reconciliation, after the atrocities of World War II in the Far East, is located along the Pink Walk here in the arboretum.

Within the Anglo-Japanese Grove lies The Reconciliation Stone. The Grove was dedicated jointly by The Japanese Ambassador and Mrs Keiko Holmes on 15th August 2001 (VJ Day).

Standing amongst European and Japanese Maple trees the symbolism of this area of the arboretum is for the falling leaves to mingle in the autumn consolidating friendship between the two countries. Flowering Cherry trees adjoin this Grove and these are sponsored by Japanese businesses and families.

Mrs Keiko Holmes founded AGAPE which works to reconcile Far East Prisoners of War, their families and the Japanese.

Amongst the many trees planted in the Grove are some dedicated to presidents from around the world who ended conflicts. Some of these are featured in the gallery.

Text on Monument/Memorial Sign or Plaque: The information board reads: 'THE RECONCILIATION STONE dedicated on 15th August 2001 first anniversary in the Third Millennium of Japan making peace and ending the Second World War. More than 25 million military personnel and 30 million civilians died in this war with millions more wounded and destroyed in health. Around the Stone are trees planted by veterans of that conflict, former enemies who became great friends. They hope it will remain for ever the last world war and that peace and friendship between nations will be the reward for all the sacrifice.' Website about the Peace Monument/Memorial: [Web Link]

Visit Instructions:
When visiting a waymark, please take a picture that clearly shows the peace monument/memorial. Please tell us a little about your experience.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log   05/15/2014 Alancache visited it