Tribute to fallen
Tommy statues erected at memorial
Two statues of soldiers from World War One have been unveiled in Stirling to commemorate the centenary of the end of the conflict.
The striking six–foot aluminium silhouettes of British ‘Tommies’ have been placed in the city’s Garden of Remembrance in Corn Exchange Road, close to the existing war memorial, in time for Armistice Day on November 11.
The six-foot statues are part of the ‘There But Not There’ charity campaign and inspired by an iconic picture of a Tommy by Home Front official photographer Horace Nicholls.
Those behind the campaign hope it will commemorate the fallen educate people today about the sacrifice of those who served in the war and give an insight into the impact of conflict on those in the front line.
Stirling Council provost Christine Simpson said: “These simple yet beautiful statues are an excellent way to focus our attention on not just those who gave their lives for us but the lasting effects of war.
“The Great War may have ended a century ago but it’ll never be forgotten, especially in communities like Stirling where so many joined the battle or helped in whatever way they could.
“These statues serve as a dignified tribute to those who went to war, those who never came back, and those who – even in modern times – still live with mental and physical wounds suffered as a result of conflict.”
The two statues were placed beside benches already installed at the Garden of Remembrance near the Albert Halls.
Their installation was welcomed by Stirling Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Bryan Flannagan, who said it was right for Stirling to recognise both the sacrifices and lasting impacts inherent in armed conflict.
Cllr Flannagan, a former submarine Naval Officer, said: “This is a fantastic addition to the already well established area of remembrance in Stirling.
“These unique statues have been chosen for two reasons: firstly, as a solemn form of remembrance for all who served and fell in the Great War and, more importantly, to spark discussion and thought amongst people to the history of the conflicts as well as the suffering and horrors endured.
“I hope the people of Stirling are able to visit the statues as well as pay their respects during Remembrance Day for the centenary of the end of WWI.”
Secretary of the Stirling Branch of the Royal British Legion, John Bell, was joined at the unveiling of the statues on Thursday by Poppy Scotland’s area organiser, Jimmy Mann, added: “These statues are really poignant.
“They are so simple in design but they convey the message of the sacrifice so well.”
Tommies’ statues have been placed at locations across Britain as the nation approaches the 100th anniversary of the ending of World War One.
Members of the public can buy their own 10-inch versions of the display with money raised going to an assortment of services’ charities.
So far, more than £4 million has been raised by the sale of 65,000 10-inch Tommies.