Justin Tomlinson MP with Chelsea Pensioners at an event in Parliament about the Centenary
Justin Tomlinson MP today welcomed the Government’s plans to mark the centenary of the First World War.
The plans will have three vital elements: a massive transformation of the Imperial War Museum; a major programme of national commemorative events, properly funded and with the status they deserve; and an educational programme to create an enduring legacy for generations to come.
There will be national commemorations for the first day of conflict on the 4th August 2014 and for the first day of the Somme on 1st July 2016. There will be events to mark Jutland, Gallipoli and Passchendale, all leading towards Armistice Day in 2018.
The Government is setting aside £15m towards the events, expansion of the Imperial War Museum and the education projects. The Heritage Lottery Fund has given £9m towards community projects to mark the centenary and are providing an additional £6m to enable young people to conserve, explore and share local heritage of the First World War.
A third of the Government’s money has gone into setting up the Centenary Education Programme, that will give every child in the country the chance to research the people who served in the Great War and for groups to visit the First World War Battlefields.
Justin Tomlinson MP said “I am delighted to hear the excellent plans that are already being drawn up to mark 100 years since the Great War. It is right that we give this priority and ensure that the sacrifices made by millions are never forgotten.”