The foundation stone for the Armed Forces Memorial was laid at the National Memorial Arboretum, near Lichfield, Staffordshire in a ceremony attended by members of Lance Corporal Jabron Hashmi's family.

Lance Corporal Jabron Hashmi was killed in Afghanistan on 1 July 2006 whilst serving with 3 Para Battle Group, the first British Muslim soldier to be killed on active duty in Afghanistan.

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, 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 World War II.

"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."

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 Queen's representative in the county, Lord-Lieutenant James Hawley, explained what it means to have the memorial in Staffordshire:

"The people living in Staffordshire are very proud to host the Armed Forces Memorial which will be a place of great tranquillity. We welcome the opportunity to receive people from all over the UK, whether they are coming to visit the Memorial to remember their loved ones, or coming to learn more about the sacrifices that have been made on behalf of the Nation."

The memorial is due to be completed in October but the Armed Forces Memorial Appeal still needs to raise £1 million to ensure the Memorial is ready for opening in October 2007. Giving an update on the project Vice Admiral Sir John Dunt KCB, Chairman of the Armed Forces Memorial Trust, explained:

"We are on schedule to complete the project in time for the planned dedication ceremony in October this year. With only £1 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."

To raise funding for the Armed Forces Memorial 60 people from RAF Cosford will be participating in a recreation of the incredible 60 mile Long March through Poland made by allied forces prisoners of war in 1945.

From 22 to 27 January 2007, 30 permanent staff and 30 trainees from No1 Radio School, Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering (DCAE), Cosford will march from Zagan, Poland (Stalag Luft III) to Spremburg, Germany (Railway Head).

The Memorial has been designed by Liam O'Connor, well known as the architect of the Commonwealth Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill in London. His winning design was selected following an international competition.

The National Memorial Arboretum is managed by the Royal British Legion and has been funded by a Millennium Commission grant and other donations. The Arboretum provides a living and lasting focus for remembrance essentially for those who have lost their lives or suffered in the service of their country. It is also a haven of peace and contemplation. Bordered by the River Tame, the location benefits from a unique wildlife habitat.