D-Day silhouette statues return to the UK from display in Normandy
They've been overlooking the Gold beach in Northern France.
1,475 figures D-Day silhouette figures (as pictured above)- which have stood overlooking the Gold beach in Normandy since April- have arrived back in Hampshire, England, ahead of a journey to Buckinghamshire.
Made of up-cycled signage and decorated with 22,442 knitted poppies, the statues will be transported to Stowe Gardens, Buckinghamshire, ahead of the 'For Your Tomorrow' exhibition next month.
They'll stop off at the war memorial on Southsea Common on the way.
The display- titled "Standing with Giants"- was never designed to be a permanent fixture in Northern France, although
They were created at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire before being transported in the English Channel- via Fort Nelson in Portsmouth- by more than 200 Harley Davidson motorbikes.
Falkland veterans, Brian and Lee, were among those paying their respects, they said: "It brings the whole act of remembrance onto a whole new level.
"It shows you in stark reality the cost and sacrifice people made for our freedom."
"And also veterans of other conflicts- the Falklands as well. We had some friends, shipmates that passed away down there and I think it is a fantastic tribute to everyone who served their country."
The 'For Your Tomorrow' exhibition in Buckinghamshire opens on the 1st of October, running till Remembrance Sunday.
The "People’s Tribute" was created by community artist, Dan Barton, with the number of figures in the display representing the number of fatalities under British command on the 6th June 1944.
Project co-ordinator Janette Barton said: “Since we started the project, the public response has been incredible.
“It resonates with the public, everybody has a story and something to relate to with the soldiers.
“We really want the younger generation to know why they have the freedoms they have today – it’s all about passing on that baton of remembrance.”
Tanya Brittain, General Manager of the National Trust gardens at Stowe says, “It’s an honour to be chosen as the official UK host location for the British D-Day 80 memorial exhibition.
“This September will be opportunity to remember family, friends and colleagues lost in conflict situations over the past 80 years.
"Stowe has a rich military history and we look forward to welcoming visitors this autumn to experience this poignant outdoor art installation against the stunning backdrop of the Stowe’s historic Landscape Gardens.
“Its beautiful avenues, temples and lakes will provide an impressive outdoor gallery space and backdrop for this celebrated artwork.”