Statues and memorials can never tell the whole story, and how we perceive them will be affected by their location, why they’ve been commissioned, our understanding of history, our values, our culture, our preconceived notions and our past experiences.
For me the predominant perception when I look at this sculpture is the memory of why and when Mum and I saw The Wave. I do enjoy the beauty of it, and I also pause for thought of the horror of going over the top during World War One and the thousands who died, but mostly I remember the day itself. Remembrance is different for everyone, there is no single perspective.
The life of B 
I regret not seeing any of the poppies anywhere. Some came to Perth, but somehow we didn’t get organised to go (sigh, very typical).
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Ours was by luck – happened to be on twitter a few days before Mum visited and spotted it was at Fort Nelson. Not been for twitter I would have missed it too!
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Sometimes spontaneous is best. We knew they were there, but every weekend something more pressing came up until suddenly they were gone!
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so frustrating!
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Wow, this sculpture is spectacular, and great framing! Thanks for telling the story behind it.
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thank you so much for your lovely feedback 🙂
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Love the poppy sculpture, wonderful post Becky. The irony of the date is that in Northern Ireland the 12th of July (known simply as The Twelfth) is a big thing. In the past there was times of troubles in our country and many many deaths. Anyway, if you want to know more … please pop into Wikipedia and look up THe Twelfth.
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of course, The Twelfth, didn’t even think of that.
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Stunning! And I also see them going ‘over the top” and sadly to almost certain death.
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It is so moving isn’t it.
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Powerful! Must be impressive in person.
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It really was
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This is such an effective piece of art. Thank you for sharing Becky.
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Thanks ☺️
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Wow. This looks like an amazing sculpture. What a contrast with the blue background and then the story behind it. Thanks for sharing.
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It was fabulous, so very moving
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I read this post earlier and it gave me chills – in a good way!
And coming back now I feel moved again.
What wonderful art for remembrance !
I bet it is even cooler in person.
And side note – I truly miss the vets that used to be all around selling their little wired poppies for donations –
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It means so much that you’ve come back again, thank you
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😊
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Thank you for sharing such a powerful photo. That sculpture is really unique. Wow.
My square for today:
http://oneletterup.com/2020/07/12/wheres-the-beach
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So glad you like, it was a very moving sculpture. You can still see some of it in London
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That’s a very moving memorial. It reminds me, in a totally different way, of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C.. That too is not a ‘traditional’ memorial, but is powerful and moving in a very special way. Here’s mine today: https://grahamsisland.com/2020/07/12/the-night-sky-2/
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You are right. That’s also a very thought provoking and memorable memorial. Remember just standing there for ages
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Ps yours is lovely today. Wish my night sky was like this
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