There have been so many moving tributes to the fallen heroes of the Battle of the Somme in its 100th anniversary year. In Seaham yesterday I witnessed another. Hundreds of pebbles have been collected from the local beach, hand painted red, and arranged in a poppy around ‘Tommy’. This emotive metal sculpture was designed by Ray Lonsdale and unveiled in 2014.
‘Paint it Red’ was the idea of David McKenna, a former soldier who has served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Kosovo with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Six years ago he founded a local community group, Seaham Remembers Them. Cadets and veterans alike were involved in this project, which took 2 months to complete.
Afterwards I strolled on the beach, crunching through the pebbles with their weird and wonderful shapes, and feeling very lucky to be alive.
This article in the local press covers the event. You might remember a Monday walk I did when Tommy first arrived in Seaham.
restlessjo 
Very moving tribute. I saw the thousands of crocheted poppies at the Chelsea flower show this spring. I was literally speechless at the sight. My neighbour’s son died in Iraq -aged only 20. We also remember him. So young. A terrible waste of life.
LikeLike
We don’t seem to have learnt a single lesson in these 100 years, Karen. Only pain!
LikeLike
Good posts, beautiful blog.
Congratulations.
Welcome to see my creations:
http://paintdigi.wordpress.com
LikeLike
Thank you very much 🙂 It’s often hard to find time to visit everyone but I do try.
LikeLiked by 1 person
you’r welcome friend
LikeLike
Jo, this is such a moving powerful tribute – thank you so much for sharing.
LikeLike
A heartbreaker, isn’t it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very moving. I love it. In Finland, we have many war memorials, but this is awesome.
LikeLike
A simple idea but so effective, I think. And very sad.
LikeLike
A lovely tribute. Lest we forget.
LikeLike
We never can, Draco. Too many lives were wasted.
LikeLike
tutta la stanchezza della guerra pesa sulle spalle di Tommy a rappresentare l’orrore di tutte le battaglie
l’omaggio in rosso rappresenta univocamente il sangue e la vita
bella ispirazione!
🙂
LikeLike
100 years, Annalisa, and a horror we can never forget. This says it simply but beautifully. Ciao, bella 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
he he grazie mille
ciao bella!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is such a moving depiction, Jo. I’m very impressed with Tommy, but the addition of the painted pebbles brings him to life. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Very, very special!
LikeLike
A brilliantly simple idea, isn’t it, Debbie, but very effective. 🙂
LikeLike
Tommy is such a wonderful depiction of the fatigue and overwhelmingness of war, and maybe even its boredom. Your first photo shows him in all his detail. I love the way you juxtapose the painted pebbles with the real ones, carrying the poppy-thoughts across to them. A lovely way to revitalise thoughts evoked by the statue.
LikeLike
I wished I had known about the project and been involved in the painting, Meg. It reminded me of how little I do to help our community. I need to use my time better. How are you coping with the tambourine players this week? 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
But how much you do for the community in cyberspace! I always learn about community things too late – or else I’m here. Coping well, and feeling triumphant every time we all get to or fro. They’re beginning to miss J. This afternoon we paint letters for him. Hugs from a rainy morning.
LikeLike
Have you heard from him? How’s he doing? It won’t be long before they’ve got Christmasy stuff to do. Paper chains, cut out angels and all that 🙂 🙂 Bright day/lazy woman hugs!
LikeLike
A few long phone calls. He’s glad to be there … but missing here. A few health issues he wasn’t expect that make me a bit anxious.
LikeLike
They’ll have a great medical service in Oz, Meg, and hopefully they’ll send him back good as new. You’re in my thoughts, hon. Try not to worry. Oh, those easy peasy words 😦
LikeLike
Thank you, my dear. Results of tests next Wednesday. Doctor was concerned enough to order tests but J said he didn’t seem unduly perturbed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sad, but I am glad that they are not forgotten. Thanks Jo.
LikeLike
I don’t see how they can be forgotten, Helen. It was such a cruel waste of life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Marvellous idea. Simple but poignant.
LikeLike
It speaks volumes, doesn’t it, Anabel?
LikeLiked by 1 person
What I find so touching about this is, is the fact that so many people took the time and care to paint a pebble to add to the ‘sculpture’.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
LikeLike
That’s exactly right. The community have worked hard to try to revive this former colliery town. They would have lost many youngsters 100 years ago.
LikeLike
What a very clever idea and also a lovely way to remember those who gave their lives in the cause of freedom. 😉
LikeLike
Such a simple idea and yet so very effective. The sculpture makes me want to weep.
LikeLike
Grandfather survived the Somme, grand uncle did not. Father survived the Japanese in Burma, uncle turvived torpedo in North Atlantic, quite amazing what out near relatives survived and appeared unchanged. Worth remembering when you see plastic politicians pretending to remember.
LikeLike
This north eastern mining town had its share of losses, Charles. Young lads wanting to escape the pits for a bit of adventure. A tragedy!
LikeLike
Overwhelmingly sad, but what a way to remember ~
LikeLike
They were terrible times, Mary. 100 years on the memories still horrify.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How beautiful and sad – but very memorable.
LikeLike
I love the sculpture, Leya. His expression says it all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That popping color of red will brand a memory in one’s mind forever! Stunning and memorable…now i want to start painting red rocks!!!
LikeLike
Let me join you! That’s what I thought, Lisa 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
Sounds and looks like a very movíng tribute….
Love the statue!
LikeLike
It’s beautiful, Anna, isn’t it, but so sad!
LikeLike
I love the poppy arrangement. Beautiful tribune.
LikeLike
It’s a brilliant idea, isn’t it? But unbelievably sad.
LikeLike
Such a powerful tribute. I have goosebumps having read your post and seeing the photos Jo.
LikeLike
It was a very poor area, Sue, and many of the lads from the pits would have gone to war with a sense of escape and adventure. It’s tragic really.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh dear how sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
His last adventure. The sculpture is amazing with red pebbles at his feet. Great post!
LikeLike
He is so very expressive of the world and all it’s woes, Paula. 😦
LikeLike
As much as I’d love to live in Croatia, still Sue here in Canada. 🙂
LikeLike
Paula left a comment here and I was trying to reply, Sue. I seem to have made her vanish! Don’t tell! 😦
LikeLike
Beautiful idea and beautifully executed! I love pebbles. 🙂
LikeLike
So simple and yet so very effective. 🙂
LikeLike