WE WILL REMEMBER THEM – AS ‘TOMMY’ LIGHTS UP CASTLE
IT’S a haunting image. A larger-than-life silhouette of a World War I soldier projected onto one of Wales’ most recognisable landmarks on the most poignant of weekends.
The striking symbol of remembrance has loomed large over Cardiff Castle this weekend as Wales and the world marks 100 years since the end of World War I. And it wasn’t just in Cardiff. The Tommies also illuminated Marble Arch, the Tate Modern art gallery, HMS Belfast, Warwick Castle, the Angel of the North, the Tyne Bridge, Titanic Belfast and Edinburgh Castle.
The figures have appeared all over the UK since the campaign launched in February, commemorating the British and Commonwealth troops who died in the First World War while also raising funds for military charities.
General the Lord Dannatt, patron of There But Not There and former chief of the general staff, said: “As we reach 100 years since the Armistice, it is vital that we reflect on the sacrifice made by an entire generation of servicemen and women.
“These wonderful landmarks coming together provide a remarkable representation of the nation doing exactly just that.
“We have been incredibly moved by the overwhelming public support that we have received across the country, which has led to more than £4m raised for military and mental health charities.
“However, our journey doesn’t stop here; we need the public’s backing more than ever in raising funds to support our veterans in crisis.
“Mental health remains a crucial issue and we hope people will see these poignant silhouettes and be inspired to buy their own Tommy to both remember the fallen and to help those that continue to struggle today.”
Other commemorations tooks place around the UK yesterday.
The Queen and other senior royals, including the Dukes and Duchess of Cambridge and Duke and Duchess of Sussex, attended the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall last night, on the eve of Armistice Day. Prime Minister Theresa May joined the royal party.
The event featured performances from Welsh music knights Sir Tom Jones and Sir Bryn Terfel.
They were also joined by the Kingdom Choir performing alongside the Central Band of the Royal Air Force and the Band of HM Royal Marines.
It was organised by armed forces charity the Royal British Legion as a “thank you to all who served, sacrificed and changed our world”.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex laid a wreath at Twickenham ahead of England’s rugby Test match against New Zealand yesterday afternoon.
Prince Harry was joined by New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters to lay their wreaths, before the Last Post was played and spectators joined in a minute’s silence. The prince also met the descendants of two former England captains who died in the war.