In a virtual world...

For the second time in its history, the Cenotaph has been rebuilt. The first was in 1920, when the plaster-and-wood Cenotaph hastily erected a year earlier was replaced with the existing Portland stone version familiar to millions.

And now, the Cenotaph has been rebuilt in the virtual world of Second Life. An exact replica of the structure designed by Sir Edwin Luytens for ceremonial use in Whitehall, the virtual Cenotaph is surrounded by a field of poppies representing the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces from World War One to the present day.

The Cenotaph is the centerpiece of The Royal British Legion’s Garden of Remembrance, which will provide visitors from around the world with an opportunity to reflect on the human cost of war. Below is a link to a "machinima", a virtual movie, which gives a preview of what will be seen in Second Life.

“We are thrilled to be updating the traditional message of Remembrance through the contemporary medium of Second Life,” said The Royal British Legion’s Director of Corporate Communications, Stuart Gendall. “We hope that this will reach a new audience and motivate them to participate in real-life Remembrance activity – but it also offers a valid alternative for those who remain in-world.”

The Garden of Remembrance was developed through the generous voluntary contribution of Rivers Run Red, the world's leading agency in the virtual world market. Also, the eminent broadcasters Jeremy Thompson, Julie Etchingham and Eamonn Holmes donated their time for readings and narration during the moving Service of Remembrance.

Rivers Run Red CEO Justin Bovington said he was pleased to offer the project to The Royal British Legion. "We all know we live in a time of increased glorification of war, our virtual world project enables the online generation to participate in this unique virtual environment of pause and reflect."

Residents and visitors to Second Life can find the Garden of Remembrance by visiting the “poppy 2” island in-world to begin their journey to the Cenotaph, positioned at the centre of the nine island build. At 11:00 am GMT on November 11th, there will be a Two Minute Silence in-world to replicate observances around the country.

The Royal British Legion is in the midst of its annual Poppy Appeal, with a target of £27.5 million for it to continue its work safeguarding the welfare, interest and memory of the Armed Forces, past and present, and their families.

source - The Royal British Legion

If all wars could be fought in a virtual world, somewhere.