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Memorial Gates
United Kingdom
Memorial Gates, Constitution Hill (February 2010) 18.jpg
For soldiers from the Indian subcontinent, the Caribbean and Africa who fought for Britain in World War I and II
Unveiled 6 November 2002; 22 years ago (2002-11-06)
Location 51°30′09″N 0°08′57″W / 51.5025°N 0.1491°W / 51.5025; -0.1491
Constitution Hill, London
Designed by Liam O'Connor
Memorial Gates, Constitution Hill - geograph.org.uk - 1010664
Two of the gate piers

The Memorial Gates are a special war memorial in London, England. You can find them at the Hyde Park Corner end of Constitution Hill. They are also known as the Commonwealth Memorial Gates.

This important memorial remembers brave soldiers from many different parts of the world. These include five countries from the Indian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka). It also honors soldiers from Africa and the Caribbean. These soldiers fought for Britain during the First World War and the Second World War.

Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Memorial Gates in 2002. It stands as a tribute to the millions who served.

What Do the Memorial Gates Say?

The Memorial Gates have special messages carved into them. These words help us remember why the gates were built.

Main Message

One main message on the gates says:

In memory of the five million volunteers from the Indian sub-continent, Africa and the Caribbean who fought with Britain in the two World Wars.

This reminds us that millions of people from these regions volunteered to fight. They played a huge role in both World Wars.

Inspiring Quote

Another shorter message is a quote from a Nigerian writer named Ben Okri. It says:

Our Future is Greater Than Our Past.

This quote gives a message of hope. It suggests that even after difficult times, we can look forward to a better future.

Remembering Key Battles

On the Green Park side of the Memorial Gates, there are two large stone slabs. These stones list many of the important battles and areas where soldiers from the British Empire fought.

World War I Campaigns

During the First World War, soldiers from the British Empire fought in many places, including:

World War II Campaigns

In the Second World War, they also fought in many different regions, such as:

The Memorial Pavilion

Next to the gates, also on the Green Park side of Constitution Hill, is a small domed building called the memorial pavilion. Inside this pavilion, you can find a very special list.

Honoring Heroes

The ceiling of the pavilion lists the names of 74 brave individuals. These are soldiers from the Indian subcontinent, Africa, and the Caribbean. They were awarded the George Cross (GC) or the Victoria Cross (VC) for their incredible bravery during the two World Wars.

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military award for bravery in the United Kingdom. The George Cross (GC) is the highest award for bravery not in the face of the enemy.

Building the Memorial Gates

The idea and plans for the Memorial Gates came from a group called the Memorial Gates Trust. Many important people helped make this memorial a reality.

Who Helped Build It?

Prince Charles was an early supporter of the Trust. Many other important people, including lords and ladies, were also trustees. The architects who designed the gates were Liam O'Connor Architects and Planning Consultants.

A lot of the money for the project came from the National Lottery, through the Millennium Commission. Building the gates started on August 1, 2001. An inscription on the first stone laid mentions that the Queen Mother placed it.

Materials and Opening

The tall pillars of the gates are made from a special stone called Portland Stone. On top of the pillars are bronze urns with gas flames. These flames are lit on important days like Remembrance Sunday and Commonwealth Day.

Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Memorial Gates on November 6, 2002. This was during her Golden Jubilee year, celebrating 50 years of her reign.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Memorial Gates para niños

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