On 14th September 2026, a new memorial dedicated to veterans who have lost their lives to suicide was unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum.
It is a powerful reminder that some veterans fight two wars.
The first is the war they fight while serving — facing the dangers, pressures and experiences that come with military life.
The second can begin when they leave.
For some, the battle continues in silence: struggling to adapt to civilian life, dealing with memories and experiences they cannot leave behind, losing their sense of purpose, facing homelessness, isolation or mental health difficulties.
Too many veterans never win that second battle.
That is why we call this model “Two Battles.”
It is a tribute to those who served, and especially to those who fought their final battle after leaving the military.
We may not have all the answers, but we cannot simply stand by and do nothing.
We remember them. We honour them. And we must do more for those still fighting.