Lest we forget
POPPIES cascaded around a giant soldier sculpture unveiled ahead of Remembrance Sunday in Newcastle.
The ‘Centenary Soldier’ outside the Theatre Royal on Grey Street served as the centrepiece for the launch of this year’s Poppy Appeal yesterday.
Poppies flowed around the obelisk surrounding the seven-metre tall sculpture as members of the Royal British Legion unveiled the statue.
An all-male choir sang beside the statue in a ceremony which was also attended by Newcastle East Sea Cadets – a division of the UK’s oldest nautical youth charity.
Veteran Mike Close was one of those in attendance to help launch this year’s Poppy Appeal in remembrance of the lives lost in the First World War.
Mike said: “When you wear your poppy this year, we’re asking you to think of all the many and unexpected ways the Legion uses your donation to support the Armed Forces community.
“Veterans, serving personnel and their families live in communities all across the UK and the Legion’s work is happening all around you.
“We already recognise the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance, but it is also represents hope.
“The poppy bloomed on the battlefields of northern Europe during the First World War, and it is that life force growing in the most difficult of circumstances that connects the poppy with the message of hope.
“The Legion is that hope, and they are there wherever and whenever they are needed. Every donation received will make a real difference to the lives of service men and women, veterans and their loved ones.”
Award-winning artist Mark Humphrey was commissioned to produce the sculpture, which stands on a plinth of limestone sourced from the Somme by the Royal British Legion.
It is the first time the statue has been unveiled in Newcastle – having previously gone on show in London, Glasgow and Cardiff – and it will remain in place till November 13.
Through the website, the campaign aims to honour each of the 1,117,077 Commonwealth servicemen and women who died in the First World War.
We recognise the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance, but it is also represents hope Mike Close