War memorials across the UK are set to receive a major funding boost as the government commits £2 million to safeguard tributes to fallen servicemen and women for future generations.
Announced ahead of Remembrance Sunday, the money will be distributed through the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) to help communities repair and conserve local memorials in need of urgent attention.
The investment builds on the NHMF’s long-running work to preserve the UK’s historic landmarks and will expand access to grants and specialist support for towns and villages seeking to protect their memorials. These sites, which stand at the heart of many communities, honour those who lost their lives in past and present conflicts and serve as focal points for annual commemorations.
Ministers say the funding will help ensure younger generations understand the sacrifices made by their families and local communities. “Every town across the UK has its own rich history,” the government said, noting the importance of preserving places where those stories can be shared.
The announcement comes in a year marked by significant commemorations, including the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day, which honoured millions from the UK and Commonwealth who served in Europe and the Far East during the Second World War.
Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said:
“War memorials are more than historic structures. They are sacred spaces where communities come together to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom.
As we mark Remembrance Sunday and reflect on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, it is our duty to ensure these memorials are conserved with the dignity and respect they deserve.
This funding will help communities across the country preserve these vital tributes, so that the sacrifices of all who have served, past and present, are never forgotten and their legacy endures for generations to come”.
Director of War Memorials Trust, Ms Frances Moreton said:
“The UK’s 100,000 war memorials remind us all of the millions whose lives have been ended, or impacted, by it. Preserving these shared symbols helps us all to understand the consequences of conflict, encourage later generations to avoid such suffering and continue to say, we still remember’.
Simon Thurley, Chair of The National Heritage Memorial Fund, said:
“As we mark Remembrance Sunday, we welcome the news of this funding. Since 1980, the Memorial Fund’s purpose has been to create a timeless collection of heritage as a memorial for those who have given their lives for the UK so it is very fitting that we can now play a role in conserving local war memorials.
We look forward to working in partnership with the War Memorials Trust, and other partners across the UK to protect war memorials which hold a special place in the heart of communities across the UK”.
Working alongside the War Memorials Trust, Historic England and other partners, the National Heritage Memorial Fund will provide grants, expert advice and guidance aimed at protecting and restoring memorials nationwide. The government said the support will help ensure these historic structures continue to serve as places of remembrance and education for generations to come.