New memorial pillar will mark World Refugee Day in Milton Keynes

Refugees Welcome MK have held gatherings at the Milton Keynes Rose in previous years to mark the date.

Now a pillar is to be dedicated to World Refugee Day, and it is set to be officially unveiled this weekend with the help of MK Mayor Councillor Andrew Geary and the Chair of Refugees Welcome MK, Rev Tim Norwood.

World Refugee Day is internationally recognised and was created to raise awareness of the situation of refugees throughout the world and to help support them.

People from all over the world have have come to live in Milton Keynes and refugees are welcomed in the city.

Ian Revell Chief Executive of Milton Keynes Community Foundation says ‘We are proud to have supported the development of the new pillars at the Milton Keynes Rose. The Pillar recognises the growing population of refugees who are establishing their lives within Milton Keynes and enriching our city immeasurably.”

The Milton Keynes Cenotaph Trust welcomes the new pillar and is encouraging people to take the time to think about the millions of displaced people around the world who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, conflict and persecution.

Debbie Brock Chair of Milton Keynes Cenotaph Trust said; “We can demonstrate our welcome to refugees in our community on World Refugee Day commemorating the strength, courage and perseverance of refugees globally”.

Due to the remaining restrictions on public gatherings, this will be a much smaller event than in previous years with just representatives from the organisations involved. A video and images from the unveiling will be shared on social media.