The Imperial War Graves Commission (IWGC) was established in response to the vast number of casualties during World War I and the need for a coordinated effort to honor those who served. The commission arose from the challenges faced by families and communities in locating and properly memorializing the graves of fallen soldiers. Its foundational aim was to create a standard for burial sites across various nations, ensuring that the sacrifices of military personnel were recognized and remembered in a dignified manner. Chaired by Sir Fabian Ware, the commission set forth to record the locations of graves, offering the families a sense of peace and closure amid the chaos of war.

With the global scale of British and Commonwealth involvement in the conflict, the IWGC focused on inclusive commemoration, creating a framework that encompassed not only British forces but also troops from Canada, Australia, India, and other nations. This was a significant development, as it shifted the local practices of remembrance into a unified international effort. The design and construction of burial sites, such as those seen in the battlefields of France and Belgium, were standardized, standing as symbols of honor and respect for the fallen. The commission's work later extended beyond the war’s end, continuing to maintain cemeteries and memorials for those lost in subsequent conflicts.

The IWGC's symbolic significance is evident in the iconic headstones, each marked with the same level of attention and care, creating a sense of equality among the dead. It has since evolved into the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), preserving memories of all Commonwealth soldiers and offering solace to families around the globe. The principles established by the IWGC laid the groundwork for how societies memorialize their war dead, shaping commemorative practices that are still relevant today, showcasing respect and remembrance.