RUSI and the CWGC reflect on the role of commemoration in the 21st Century

On Thursday 9 November, as Armistice Day approaches, RUSI held an all-morning conference to reflect on the role commemoration has to play now and in the future, including as an instrument of international diplomacy and as a reminder of the human cost of warfare. 

RUSI’s Commemorating the Past: Safeguarding the Future conference, hosted at 61 Whitehall jointly with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, brought together international commemoration organisations, academic scholars, military experts, politicians and diplomats from around the world - and is available to watch below:

A range of panellists considered the potential of acts of commemoration to help governments and nations meet global challenges.

Chaired by BBC Newsnight’s Diplomatic Editor, Mark Urban, the panel included: the UK Shadow Foreign Secretary, The Rt. Hon. David Lammy MP; Director General of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Claire Horton CBE; the High Commissioner of India to the UK, HE Vikram K. Doraiswami; the UK Military Representative to NATO, Lieutenant General Sir Ben Bathurst KCVO CBE; and the Australian Government Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, The Hon. Matt Keogh MP.  

The conference included a keynote speech, delivered by renowned historian Professor Sir Hew Strachan, exploring the relevance and significance of commemoration for future generations – particularly now as the World Wars fall out of living memory.  

Commenting on the conference, Sir David Lidington, RUSI’s Chair said: “Together with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, we are pleased to have been able to host such a valuable and timely discussion on the future of commemoration. In connecting past, present and future generations, commemoration forms an important part of our collective social memory. Today’s conference has made clear that commemoration will continue to play an essential social role, not least as a reminder of the human cost of warfare.” 

Claire Horton CBE, our Director General said: “Commemoration serves as a timeless bridge connecting past, present, and future generations, ensuring that the profound sacrifices of those who lost their lives in service are never forgotten. I am grateful for the contribution of our distinguished speakers, RUSI, and all attendees of the Commemorating the Past: Safeguarding the Future conference. Profound insights on remembrance have left us all inspired and resolute for the next chapter for at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.”.