Page added on February 22, 2012
Life-size bronze figures to honour Leicestershire soldiers
Four life-size bronze soldiers will be ’standing easy’ at County Hall as part of a new memorial honouring Leicestershire’s Armed Forces.
The unique and poignant tribute depicting young recruits taking part in a military drill has been selected from a shortlist and will be unveiled in Glenfield this autumn.
Created by Glasgow-based and highly-regarded sculptor Kenny Hunter, the design called ‘Stand Easy’ also features crossing paths and a central inscribed plaque.
Leicestershire County Council is creating the £75,000 tribute to commemorate local servicemen and women who have lost their lives in conflicts around the world since 1945.
David Parsons, Leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “Kenny’s design is a thought-provoking and sensitive interpretation, and will provide a place of contemplation, reflection and respect for the public and visitors.
“By implying the absence of a fifth soldier, the tribute conveys a sense of loss yet also symbolises camaraderie, unity and personal identity.
“We owe a huge debt to local men and women who have died fighting for their country in conflicts around the globe, and we believe that honouring their lives with a lasting tribute is the right thing to do.
“We hope that the memorial will become a central point for remembrance across Leicestershire and I look forward to seeing it take shape.”
Peter Roffey, Royal British Legion County President, and Chairman of the Support to the Armed Forces Working Party, said: “I am delighted that Kenny Hunter’s memorial proposal has been commissioned by the County Council. Kenny’s interpretation with four life sized military figures was clearly the favourite in the public consultation and mine too. It is a very fitting tribute to the fallen heroes of Leicestershire.”
Kenny is working with a group of armed forces recruits and young people to help develop the plaster casts which will be used in modelling the bronze figures.
Bereaved families have been invited to work with Kenny to develop the inscription on the plaque.
To find out more, please visit www.leics.gov.uk/memorialcommission or call 0116 305 4113.
