The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
City says ‘Thank You’ in First World War project
Art installation in Dundee City Square recognises ‘contribution of the generation who sacrificed so much’
Dundonians thanked war veterans when an eight-foot high art installation dominated City Square yesterday.
The installation, created by artist Sarah Arnett, spells “Thank You” as a means of expressing gratitude to people who contributed to the First World War.
The piece is part of the Thank You 100 project, with Poppy Scotland and Legion Scotland working together to bring it to Dundee.
The City of Discovery was the only Scottish stop on a tour that has already taken in London, Birmingham and Plymouth. It will travel to Belfast, Liverpool and Swansea as it finishes its travels across the UK.
Illustrations on the letters show various aspects of how the conflict impacted lives in the UK, from the “Munitionettes” who served in weapons factories to Indian infantrymen on the Western Front.
Dundonians took the opportunity to write messages of gratitude on what white space was left after its first three stops.
Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland head fundraiser, said: “A lot of people think of the Poppy appeal about being something in November, but remembrance should be every day.
“This particular piece is about those that were left behind and the stories that came out of the home front.
“A lot of the people who were left behind during the war were women, and Dundee has a strong history of women working in jute mills and other places so it’s fitting that the Thank You stops here.”
Lord Provost Ian Borthwick was at the launch, leaving a message on the letters.
He said: “It is vital that we recognise the contribution of the generation who sacrificed so much.
“Of course we remember those who selflessly answered the call and served their country so bravely, but the Thank You movement is also an opportunity to recognise the contributions of other groups that are often overlooked.
“Thousands of Dundonian women took up vital roles in the city’s factories, as they did the length and breadth of the country. To them, and so many others who helped changed our world, we say: ‘Thank You’.”
Ms Arnett said: “It’s been an honour to work on such a meaningful project during the centenary year.
“Having recently researched my own family history during the war, I’m amazed by how much of the world around me is still so connected to that time.”
The statue was unveiled on the South Bank in London on August 3 to mark the start of the 100-day countdown to Armistice Day on November 11.
The installation was in City Square from around 7.30am until 5.45pm.