Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914-1918

CYMRU’N COFIO WALES REMEMBERS 1914‑1918

The history of Wales is rich and complex. Past centuries have shaped our nation and honed our identity and include events with global resonance that had a massive impact on our own communities. The First World War was clearly one such event and in 2013 with the centenary approaching, the Welsh Government acknowledged the need to organise appropriate commemorations and to involve individuals and organisations from Wales. Consultation took place across the country, leading to the development of a framework that became the blueprint for Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914-1918 and six years of commemorative activity. It sought to ensure that key moments of the First World War would receive national attention, while enabling every community in Wales to find its own way to remember. Partnership working was key in taking forward Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914-1918, with the overall programme guided by a Programme Board, comprised of a wide range of stakeholders including government, cultural and educational organisations, the armed forces, religious, media and community representatives. The Programme Board met at least twice a year to stimulate, encourage and discuss commemorative ideas, which the Welsh Government could support. Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914-1918 needed to complement the wider UK commemorations but maintain a distinct Welsh identity. The Welsh Government developed a strong brand and approach to communications for publications, website and social media.

Partner organisations and community groups adopted this for their activities – from major art exhibitions to local history events. Social media played a significant communications role with Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914-1918 social media channels gaining over 3,000 Twitter followers and over 1,000 Facebook followers. It was important to set the right tone from the outset, to commemorate and honour, but not to celebrate. This reflective tone has been maintained throughout the centenary commemorations, and is manifested in this publication.

Above: During each year of the commemoration, Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914-1918 produced an annual publication. The images shown here are the front cover of each publication