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Britain prepares to honor its fallen war heroes with red poppy art installation

Xinhua, November 5, 2015 Adjust font size:

A stunning display of the iconic ceramic poppies first shown at the Tower of London moved to Liverpool on Thursday.

Weeping Window, which includes 6,000 red poppies, will be completed this Sunday in time for Britain's traditional Remembrance when the whole nation honors its fallen war heroes.

The display at Liverpool's St George's Hall opens to the public on Saturday, giving people the chance to see up-close a section of the installation of Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red which was created to mark the centenary of the First World War last year.

The poppies are in Liverpool as part of a nationwide tour organized by 14 to 18 NOW, Britain's First World War centenary cultural program.

Thousands of people are expected to view the display which will remain in Liverpool until Jan. 17.

Two men given a sneak preview of the artwork today were WW2 Royal Navy able seaman John Dennett, 91, who served as a gunner in North Africa and the Mediterranean during the 1940s, and serving soldier Color Sergeant John Ryan of the 4th Parachute Regiment, who has served in the Middle East.

Dennett said: "The poppy display in Liverpool is wonderful. The centenary of the start of the First World War has made more and more people think about those who fought and died in conflict. I will be back here on Sunday to lay a wreath in honor of those who never returned."

To coincide with the display, a poppy trail has been created at more than 20 locations throughout Liverpool. The poppy trail features memorials and buildings of historic interest which highlight the city's links with World War I.

Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson told Xinhua today: "Throughout its ten-week run in Liverpool, tens of thousands of people will head to St George's Hall not only to see this beautiful piece of art, but also to reflect on those who have lost their lives in conflict."

Jenny Waldman, director of 14 to 18 NOW, said: "From the very start of the centenary, we have seen how artists have the power to connect people of all ages with the First World War. The poppies are the perfect example of this, such a powerful way to keep alive the impact of the war 100 years ago." Endit