The UK government has introduced an online exhibition showcasing five potential designs for a new national memorial dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II. This memorial, planned for St James’s Park in London, aims to honour and celebrate the Queen’s remarkable 70-year reign. Visitors to the exhibition can view each design and are encouraged to share their thoughts through an online form. The selected design will be announced during early summer 2025. Exploring the Purpose of Memorials Memorials serve as meaningful ways to remember important people, events, or values. They can take many forms—statues, gardens, landmarks, or special objects—and their primary purpose is to help people remember and honour those who have had a lasting impact. Through memorials, we pass on stories, learn from history, and find inspiration for the future. Thinking About the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial As part of the discussion around the new memorial, students and teachers are encouraged to make predictions about the possible designs and reflect on what they might represent. After reviewing the five designs, everyone is invited to share which design they prefer and why, considering what aspects of Queen Elizabeth II’s life and values should be remembered most. Why St James’s Park? A useful video explains the choice of St James’s Park as the memorial location. Viewers can consider whether it is a good site for remembrance and discuss other famous memorial locations, both near and far, and who or what they honour. Reflecting on Memories and Memorials Memories are a vital part of how we relate to the past. The article encourages sharing personal experiences—whether it’s remembering a loved one, a pet, or a significant figure from history. Objects such as photos, special items, or stories can keep memories alive and help people feel connected across generations. Questions to Consider • What does ‘remembering’ mean to you? Can it be positive? • What’s your earliest or favourite memory? • Have you seen or heard about any other memorials or monuments? • How do elements like water or unique shapes help a memorial tell its story? • How can memorials—like the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park or the Taj Mahal—help people understand history? The Significance of Memorial Design Design elements in memorials—such as a fountain, a pyramid, or a statue—carry special meanings. For instance, one of the proposed Queen Elizabeth II memorial designs features a cast of an oak tree from Windsor Great Park, representing strength and endurance. Others reflect her love of horses, nature, or her important role in the Commonwealth. Famous Memorials Around the World Throughout history, people have built significant monuments, like the Pyramids of Giza or Ground Zero in New York, as collective ways to remember and reflect. Visiting such places can evoke strong emotions and help visitors feel connected to the past and to others. Collective Memory and Remembrance Commemorative events, such as Remembrance Day, highlight how remembering can be a shared experience. Classes might plan their own memorial or remembrance service, considering what special people, events, or values they want to honour and how to bring people together for reflection. Student Activities and Follow-up Ideas • Research a famous memorial from around the world, looking into its location, significance, and design. • Design your own memorial for Queen Elizabeth II, considering elements that reflect what she cared about—such as her dedication to bringing people together, her love for corgis, or the Commonwealth. • Write a memory poem or share a favourite memory with a partner to reflect on the importance of remembering. Key Vocabulary Commonwealth: A group of countries around the world that work together, many of which were once ruled by Britain. Endurance: Not giving up, even when things are difficult. Memorial: Something that helps people remember someone who has died. Online exhibition: A digital display of art, ideas, or designs. Reign: The period when a king or queen rules. Why Do We Create and Visit Memorials? Memorials teach us about history, help us connect with others, and inspire reflection. Seeing a memorial can prompt us to think about the values and lessons from the past, and perhaps encourage us to act more kindly or make the world better in the future. Reflection and Sharing We all have memories that are unique and special. Sharing them helps preserve important moments, people, and lessons. Explore the latest Picture News resources here: https://picture-news.co.uk/free-sample Join our latest discussion here: https://picture-news.co.uk/discuss Explore our recent events and training here: https://picture-news.co.uk/training
