BRITISH MUSLIM HERO HONOURED AT FORCES MEMORIAL
(23 January 2007)

The foundation stone of the Armed Forces Memorial was laid today at the National Memorial Arboretum, near Lichfield, Staffordshire and cemented into place by members of Lance Corporal Jabron Hashmi's family. Jabron was killed in Afghanistan on 1 July 2006 while serving with 3rd Para Battle Group, the first British Muslim soldier to be killed on active duty in Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal Hashmi's sister Zoubia said; "Although Jabron's death has been a great devastation to us, it has been of consolation and strength to know that he gave his life believing that it would bring peace and prosperity to a region which has seen nothing but turmoil over a prolonged period of time.

"Let us honour the memories of those whose names are soon to be inscribed on this memorial by pledging that we shall dismantle the barriers that seem to exist in all aspects of society, we will open ourselves to dialogue and we will strive to be the best among mankind by trying to understand each other."

The Armed Forces Memorial will list some 16,000 names of members of the UK Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve) who have been killed on duty, or as a result of terrorist action, as a consequence of serving their country since the Second World War.

Under Secretary of State Derek Twigg said: "The Armed Forces Memorial is for people of all faiths and will be a nationally significant focus for remembrance and an acknowledgement of the sacrifices made since the end of WWII.

"Each one of the names on the memorial will have left behind people who loved them. This will be an important place for many families and friends, especially those who have no grave to visit."

Giving an update on the project Vice Admiral Sir John Dunt KCB, Chairman of the Armed Forces Memorial Trust, said: "It is an enormous privilege for me as Chairman of the Armed Forces Memorial Trustees to be involved in such an important national project. The construction of the Memorial is well under. The mound on which the Memorial will stand is now complete and the foundations are laid. Some of the sculptures that will form the central focus are now ready for casting at the foundry in Oswestry, Shropshire. Off site, in Northern Ireland, names are being engraved on the Portland stone panels that will form the main structure. We are on schedule to complete the project in time for the planned dedication ceremony in October this year. With only £ million of our £7 million fundraising target remaining, I have great faith in the British public to help us to achieve this goal and urge everyone to support us in this worthwhile endeavour."

Visit www.forcesmemorial.org.uk for further information.

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