Falklands veterans have paid their respects to those who lost their lives in the conflict by placing scarves on a tribute at Fort Nelson.
Veterans gathered on Liberation Day to place their South Atlantic scarves on Standing with Giants – an art installation of 258 silhouettes, each one representing a life lost in the Falklands War.
The life-size figures currently stand on the Parade Ground and ramparts of the Victorian fort, as a tribute to those who did not return from the Falklands conflict in 1982.
The informal ceremony took place 41 years after the war ended on 14 June 1982 – known as Liberation Day.
A piper stood and played on the ramparts and a minute silence was observed by 65 veterans and their families during the tribute.
The special scarves are knitted by Rachel Simons, who was an 11-year-old living in the Falkland Islands at the time of the conflict.
In 2017, she started making the scarves and launched the charity ‘Scarves for Falklands veterans’ as a way of saying thank you to those who served in the conflict.
Now she has a group of 75 scarf makers who have made 1,000 scarves, in the colours of the South Atlantic medal ribbon, which are knitted for veterans.
The informal gathering was the idea of Standing with Giants creator, Dan Barton, after he saw veterans placing scarves on the launch day of the art installation at Fort Nelson.
Dan said: “It was really moving watching the veterans interact with the silhouettes and place their scarves around their shoulders, so it seemed a fitting thing to do on Liberation Day.”
Elizabeth Puddick, Public Engagement Manager, at Fort Nelson, said: “Today was very emotional and a very poignant sight to see with the veterans paying tribute to their lost comrades.
“We feel honoured to be hosting Standing with Giants at Fort Nelson and so many of our visitors have been moved and touched by the installation.”
Standing with Giants will be at Fort Nelson until 9 July – admission is free. Book in advance to guarantee your visit. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm.
Cathy Brooks, Communications Officer at cathy.brooks@armouries.org.uk
Visit Fort Nelson’s website – https://royalarmouries.org/venue/fort-nelson
Connect with Fort Nelson’s social media platforms
Standing With Giants – Dan Barton at info@standingwithgiants.co.uk or 07919182007
Website: standingwithgiants.co.uk
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