Moments of silence, millions of red poppies and copious amounts of respect across the nation, all in aid of Remembrance Sunday. This year marks 100 years since the First World War and Britain have, today, honoured those brave citizens who have lost their lives whilst fighting for their country. It shows the sign of a true hero to be named as someone who took their life for the sake of their country and today they are remembered more than ever.
The biggest memorial for this year’s ceremony has been the presentation of 888,246 ceramic poppies at the iconic landmark, the Tower of London. Record breaking numbers of people have flurried to the tower to get a glimpse of the astonishing scenes that have been created. Fields upon fields of red, rows and rows of individually sculptured poppies spilling out of the tower. Mind blowing.
Yesterday I took a trip to the Tower of London to get a first hand experience of what all the fuss was about. Whilst it took time to force my way to the front to every catch a glimpse of the ceramic masterpieces filling the tower’s famous moat, it was definitely worth the hustle and bustle. Photos will never do it justice. To think that an individual ceramic artist has spent the time and effort designing each and every flower to represent each and every civilian that lost their life during the First World War is just incredible.
The evolving installation of ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ has been such a success and so popular that it has been agreed to extend the viewing time until the end of November. Originally due to finish on November 11th, members of the public have expressed the demand for extended viewing, to which David Cameron eventually condoned.
But whilst we sit, salute and remember all those who have fallen, there is someone that has not had enough recognition and praise; Paul Cummins. Who is Paul, you may ask? Paul Cummins is the artist behind the masterpiece. And it is due to his work and the help of stage designer, Tom Piper, that the centurion of the First World War has been celebrated in such a way.
And it isn’t only the Tower of London that have put on a show for the 100 years of remembrance, other famous landmarks have stepped up to remember the thousands of loved ones. Westminster Abbey displayed the ‘Westminster Field of Remembrance’, showing rows upon rows of crosses and poppies, each naming a separate hero. Wreaths have been laid at the iconic Cenotaph in remembrance of our brave civilians. People from all walks of life taken to the celebration of 100 years since the start of the First World War.
So more than anything, the photographs and colours that rush through the pictures say so much more than any words that can be written. We should be proud to wear a poppy and be proud to remember each and every man and woman that lost their lives fighting for our country.
#NeverForget
katiemallalieu 