The forms and practices of commemoration are however changing, incorporating formal and informal acts of Remembrance, a role for broadcast and new media, museums, physical spaces, constructed memorials, pilgrimage, tourism and heritage.

It is within this contemporary context that in 2008 the National Memorial Arboretum, The Royal British Legion, Staffordshire and Nottingham Universities established a series of seminars to discuss Remembrance, Commemoration and memorials.

The seminars have initially drawn together an inter-disciplinary group of approximately forty experts from a diverse range of fields. Expertise includes:

• History and Heritage
• International Relations and Politics
• Psychology
• Human Geography
• Media and the Creative Arts
• Study of Religions
• Teacher training.

In addition, the group includes practitioners working for religious groups, the Armed Forces, education, the Mass Observation Archive, The Royal British Legion and the National Memorial Arboretum.

The seminars have four aims:

1. To deepen understanding of the meaning and significance of Commemoration in the Contemporary Culture informed by a study of the practice of Commemoration in other times and cultures

2. To inform the practice of Commemoration and Remembrance for future generations

3. To explore the relationship between Remembrance, Commemoration and the Armed Forces Covenant

4. To stimulate further study of Remembrance, Commemoration and memorials.

For more information please visit www.remembrancereseminars.org.uk