Silent Soldiers to stand guard in Argents Mead
TWO near life-size Silent Soldier silhouettes known as Tommy have been unveiled in Argents Mead, Hinckley in time to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council purchased one silhouette and local history group Hinckley District Past and Present purchased the other.
The silhouettes have been designed to commemorate the fallen, to educate all generations about what led to the deaths of 888,246 people from Britain and the Commonwealth and to help heal those suffering from the hidden wounds of post-traumatic stress disorder and other lasting legacies of combat.
The silhouettes will continue to be used on special occasions and events which relate to the Armed Forces.
Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services at the borough council, Councillor Mark Nickerson said” “We want to commemorate and give thanks for those who served and we hope people will come and see the soldiers and find out more about the Great War and the ultimate sacrifice that many made.”
Paul Gardner from Hinckley District Past and Present said: “We are delighted that after only four days of fund raising we were able to purchase another Tommy and the two silhouettes together look very striking and a fitting tribute for the WWI commemorations.
“If anybody is interested in joining our local history group we meet on the 4th Wednesday every month at the Grey Hound Public House, Hinckley and we hold monthly photo scanning sessions at St Mary’s Church on the third Saturday of the month where we welcome people to come along with photographs of interest. To get in touch you can find us on Facebook.”
Each of the silhouettes and their commemorative packaging are made by veterans employed by Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) in partnership with There But Not There and all profits from the sale of the silhouettes will go to six different charities.
The There But Not There Project will support:
The Royal Armed Forces Programmes - Promoting the welfare of those serving their country in the Armed Forces and veterans.
Commonwealth War Graves Foundation - Highlighting the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, funding education and activities to capture the public imagination and commemorating the sacrifices made
Walking with the wounded - Supporting a pathway for vulnerable veterans to re-integrate back into society and sustain their independence. The heart of this journey is employment and mental well-being.
Combat stress - Treating Veterans suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Depression and Anxiety
Help for Heroes - Supporting those affected by their time in the Armed Forces and their loved ones, to help them reach their potential and live fulfilling lives
Project Equinox: Housing Veterans and Medical StudentsPlymouth University project to create sheltered housing for 40 single veterans