War memorial

It was founded in 1438 with the provision that its fellows should pray for those killed in the long wars with France.War memorials for the Franco-Prussian War (1870 - 71) were the first in Europe to have rank-and-file soldiers commemorated by name. Every soldier that was killed was granted a permanent resting-place as part of the terms of the Treaty of Frankfurt (1871).To commemorate the millions who died in World War I, war memorials became commonplace in communities large and small around the world.Modern usageIn modern times the main intent of war memorials is not to glorify war, but to honor those who have died. Sometimes, as in the case of the Warsaw Genuflection of Willy Brandt, they may also serve as focal points of increasing understanding between previous enemies.Using modern technology an international project is currently archiving all post-1914 Commonwealth war graves and Commonwealth War Graves Commission memorials to create a virtual memorial (see The War Graves Photographic Project for further details).

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