Following its recent integration with the Royal British Legion, the National Memorial Arboretum is entering a new chapter in its history. From September 2026, it will become known as the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens, marking a significant moment in the evolution of the nation’s year‑round place to remember.

Over the past 25 years, the 150‑acre estate has grown from the seed of an idea into an inspirational living landscape of Remembrance. Welcoming more than 300,000 visitors each year, it has become a place where people can reflect, learn and remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces, emergency services and civilian organisations.

The Royal British Legion became the Arboretum’s parent charity in 2003, with full integration completed in April 2026. The new name reflects the RBL’s long‑term commitment to the site and its ambition, set out in its strategy to 2035, to evolve Remembrance and widen participation.

The Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens will continue to invite people not only to reflect, but to take an active part in Remembrance, helping to bring society together to recognise, remember and support the Armed Forces community.

Victory in Japan (VJ DAY) Celebration will be on  Saturday 15th of August 2026, will be held at the Laguna Tavern, Entre Naranjos Vistabella at 1400hrs

Victory In Japan (VJ DAY) Celebration, will be held at the Laguna Tavern, Entre Naranjos Vistabella 1400hrs 15th of August May 2026. the Pacific Day, or VP Day is the day on which Imperial Japan surrendered in World II in effect bringing the war to an end The term has been applied to both of the days on which the Initial announcement of Japan's surrender was made – 15th of August 1945, in Japan, and because of time zone differences, 14th of August 1945 (when it was announced in the United States and the rest of the Americas and Eastern Pacific Islands) – as well as to 2 September 1945, when the Surrender document was signed, officially ending World War II.

15th of August is the official VJ Day for the United Kingdom, while the official US commemoration is 2nd of September. The name, VJ Day, had been selected by the Allies after they named VE DAY for the victory in Europe. 

As of the 81st anniversary 2026, commemorations highlight that over 71,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers died fighting Japan, with over 100,000 U.S. troops killed in the Pacific. The war saw over 2.6 million Japanese deaths, including a million civilians, and 214,000 killed by atomic bombs. 

Key Casualty Statistics (Commemorated 2025-2026)

• Total Casualties: Over 65 million people died worldwide in the conflict.
• British/Commonwealth: Over 90,000 casualties in the Pacific, including 30,000 –71,000+ deaths.
• United States: Over 100,000 killed in action in the Pacific.
• Japanese Casualties: Over 2.6 million, including 1 million civilians.
• Aftermath: Over 41,000 service personnel died between VJ Day and Dec 31, 1947

July 1st July 2026 - The Battle of the Somme - 110 Anniversary,

The Battle of the Somme - also known as the Somme Offensive, was a battle of the First World War, fought by the Armies of the British Empire and the French Republic against the German Empire. It took place between the 1st July - 18th November 1916, on both sides of the upper reaches of the river Somme in France. The battle was intended to hasten victory for the Allies. More than 3 Million men fought in the battle, of whom more than 1 million were either wounded or killed making it one of the deadliest battles in human history.

Victory In Europe (VE DAY) Celebration will be on  Saturday 9th May, will be held at the Laguna Tavern, Entre Naranjos Vistabella 14.00pm 9th of May 2026. 

There Is a celebration and the Act of Remembrance event to commemorate the fallen, the wounded and all members of the Armed Forces who served during WW II falls on the Friday the 8th of May the 81st anniversary is the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945.

As of the 81st anniversary 2026, commemorations highlight that over 71,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers died fighting Japan, with over 100,000 U.S. troops killed in the Pacific. The war saw over 2.6 million Japanese deaths, including a million civilians, and 214,000 killed by atomic bombs. 

Background 

VE Day, short for Victory in Europe Day, is a deeply significant annual observance marking the end of World War II in Europe. On May 8, 1945, the Allies formally accepted Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender, bringing six years of brutal conflict to a close across the European continent. VE Day represents not only the victory of the Allied forces but also the triumph of hope, unity, and resilience over adversity and tyranny.

Why is VE Day Important 

VE Day is more than just a historical anniversary; it is a day of reflection on the enduring human values of liberty, resilience, and sacrifice. Honouring VE Day ensures that the bravery and hardships experienced during World War II are not forgotten and that future generations continue to value the hard-won freedoms we enjoy today. It also reminds us of the critical importance of international cooperation, peacebuilding, and standing together against injustice. By taking time to commemorate VE Day, we affirm our collective responsibility to remember the past and to work towards a better, more peaceful future for all.

Casualties 

World War II was the deadliest military conflict in history. An estimated total of 60–75 million deaths were caused by the conflict, including those who died from deprivation, famine and disease. This represents about 3% of the estimated global population of 2.3 billion in 1940. 

The Branch is to hold Remembrance Celebration to commemorate the fallen, the wounded and all members of the Armed Foces community who served on WW2 In the Laguna Tavern Entre Naranjos Vistabella, 1400hrs on the 9th of May 2026 

The event will be advertised on local radio, and various platforms via Facebook & other Websites. In order to make the day a success, all 3 Standards will be required for displayed. The National flags of the UK, Spain and the Branch Standard. We will be gathered on the patio area for the Act of remembrance, all standards will be on display and seated in the block. Veterans will be made welcome and the wearing of medals, and head dress is encouraged

OP TELIC

The Royal British Legion is recognised as the national custodian of Remembrance.

Remembrance Sunday, the second Sunday in November, is the day traditionally put aside to remember all those who have given their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today.Friday 22nd of May 2026 OP TELIC 15th Memorial anniversary is to take place at the Capilla de San Justo in Mil Palmeras in front of the Garden of remembrance

OP TELIC Remembrance 22nd May

1030 - 1100 22nd May 2026

The remembrance service is to commemorate the Fallen, the wounded and all members of HM forces who served on Op Telic, the 15th anniversary comes round as if the memories were only yesterday. let us all pay homage this morning and take time out to remember.

Operation Telic (Op TELIC) was the codename under which all of the United Kingdom's military operations in Iraq were conducted between the start of the Invasion of Iraq on 19 March 2003 and the withdrawal of the last remaining British forces on 22 May 2011. The bulk of the mission ended on 30 April 2009 but around 150 troops, mainly from the Royal Navy, remained in Iraq until 22 May 2011 as part of the Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission, 46,000 troops were deployed at the onset of the invasion and the total cost of war stood at £9.24 billion in 2010.

Background

Op TELIC was the largest deployment of British forces since World War 2 It was only approached in size by the 1991 Operation Granby deployment for the Gulf War and the 1956 Operation Musketeer during the Suez Crisis deployment. It was considerably larger than the 1982 Operation Corporate in the Falklands War, which saw around 30,000 personnel deployed

TELIC means a purposeful or defined action (from Greek τέλος, telos) The meaning was initially unknown but as initial planning took place over the Christmas 2002 period, the term became jokingly known amongst personnel as a backronym for “Tell Everyone Leave Is Cancelled 

Casualties

A total of 179 British Armed Forces personnel died serving on Operation Telic between the start of the campaign in March 2003 and the end of operations in July 2009; 136 in hostile incidents and the remaining 43 under non-hostile circumstances. Full non-fatal casualty records are currently only available for the period after 1 January 2006. From that date, 3,598 British personnel were wounded, injured or fell ill (315 wounded in action); 1,971 of whom required aeromedical evacuation. By 11 March 2007, more than 2,100.

Millions of words have been written, and the details debated, regarding the conflict: the history behind the invasion of Iraq; the efforts to stabilise the country; and the war’s legacy. What is not in dispute is the professionalism and dedication of the British Armed Forces during Operation TELIC.

Men and women of our Armed Forces joined the US-led Coalition in the invasion of Iraq in March 2003. Within a month, and under extreme conditions, our forces achieved their immediate objectives while facing repeated and deadly opposition. UK forces were primarily responsible for securing provinces in southern Iraq, including the city of Basra.

Coalition forces then began stabilisation operations, but violence escalated across Iraq, as a growing insurgency turned into a sectarian civil war that would claim tens of thousands of lives. Military and civilian Coalition personnel and the Iraqis working with them were targeted. For six years they faced deadly hazards including roadside bombs, snipers and mortar and rocket attacks while on patrol and in barracks.

Amid this, British forces and partners were engaged in providing humanitarian aid, helping local communities and in the painstaking rebuilding and reconstruction of both civil society and the Iraqi military services, in often austere conditions.

By the end of 2008 the situation had stabilised, and British combat operations ended in 2009. Most personnel left Iraq, leaving behind a number who continued the training of the Iraqi military. The last British personnel departed on 22nd May 2011: Op TELIC was at an end.

The duty in Iraq came at a high cost. Tragically, 179 British Armed Forces personnel lost their lives in Op TELIC. Thousands more were wounded, many with life-changing physical injuries. Others experienced emotional or mental ill-health as a result of their service in Iraq.

We remember how much we ask of our Armed Forces; and we acknowledge their dedication to service.

Garden of Remembrance is La Capilla de San Justo Mil Palmeras 

22nd MAY 2026 - OP TELIC 15th Anniversary,

A small remembrance parade was conducted, at the Mil Palmeras Church, the parade was completed with dignity and respect, we had the Pipe Major Mr Brian Day played a lament, the district Bugler Mr Mark Benton sounded the "Last Post", also for the firs time in 5 years all of the 3 services standards on parade RNA RAFA and the Branch standard. Wreaths were also laid by representatives of all of the 3 Armed forces honouring the fallen, The poem "Flanders Field" was read out by Mr Bob Smith. other speeches were read out regarding the Background and history of OP TELIC, the Casualties of OP TELIC and personal experiences. Read out was the list of all of the 178 Fallen servicemen & women from each of the Services who didn't come home but there memories will live on forever. The "RBL Prayer" & the "Lords Prayer" was read out by Mr John Lord & Mrs Julie Benton the readers were Mrs Louise Inness, Mrs Jo Rich, Mr Johno Johnson & Mr Bob Smith. the parade concluded with the sounding of both Spanish & UK National Anthems. The parade was respectful and emotional but was conducted with pride and honour. kind donations from the public totalling €50 was raised to help us as the RBL to continue our help to support the Armed Forces Communities

Representative's all of all standards BR 3600, RNA, RAFA & Submariners

(Mark is our District Bugler for types of services and is available for Funerals, Events or Social Activities

ANZAC Day in Beersheba Isreal 

Remembrance November 2025 Gran Alacant & La Marina

Remembrance November 2025 Gran Alacant & La Marina

Remembrance November 2025 Gran Alacant & La Marina

Sunday 8th November 2025

Our most recent service was held in the Orihuela Costa at the Capilla de las Mil Palmeras chapel.

Welfare work carried out by The Royal British Legion is a lifeline for thousands of serving and ex-servicemen and women and their family. the single fundraising at its charitable events for which is the poppy appeal campaign now well underway. Here on the Orihuela Costa, that appeal is an ongoing operation with the 2025/2026 campaign now well and truly underway.

Fundraising is carried out at a multitude of local events, which can vary from collections in bars and restaurants, and benefit concerts to the sale/donation of Royal British Legion memorabilia.

Then, from the 3rd week in October we see the launch of the main poppy campaign of the year with the launch of the Poppy Appeal, taking us through to remeberance Sunday on the 8th of November. During which members of the public and Military alike wear a poppy to remember the passing of friend and family as well as the huge sacrifices made by our Armed Forces throughout the decades.

There are many ways by which you can support the Royal British Legion. Find out more by book marking and regularly visiting these pages.

• Symbolism of Flanders Fields:
•  During WWI, red poppies were the first to grow in the shattered, bombed landscape of Western Europe, particularly around battlefields like Flanders, symbolizing life growing amid destruction.
• "In Flanders Fields" Poem:
•  Inspired by the 1915 poem by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae which referenced the poppies growing between soldiers' graves.
• Commemoration:
•  It is worn in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day (11th November) or Anzac Day to honor fallen soldiers and support their families.Charity Funding:
•  The poppy serves as a fundraiser for veterans' organizations, such as The Royal British Legion, supporting injured soldiers and their families.