Spectacular montage unveiled at arboretum
A spectacular montage created by Walsall students inspired after meeting war heroes has been unveiled at Staffordshire's National Memorial Arboretum.
Year 12 pupils from Aldridge School met with veterans during a tour of the site in Alrewas where they asked them about their memories of serving in a variety of conflicts.
Their remarkable stories along with existing sculptures around the arboretum inspired the artwork which features sketches of soldiers carrying their wounded as well as a tribute to the roles of dogs in war.
The montage is also emblazoned with the Royal Air Force motto Per Ardua Ad Astra which translates to 'Through adversity to the stars'.
Year 12 student Eleanor Durrant said: "It was fascinating to talk to veterans about their experiences of serving their country and to learn what life was really like for them in times of conflict.
"We were thrilled to be given a giant blank canvas on which to illustrate veterans' memories and we are very grateful to the veterans and the Arboretum for making this possible." The montage, which measures eight ft high and 26 ft wide, was unveiled during a ceremony on Thursday.
It has been painted on hoardings next to the shop at the visitor centre which are in place while construction work takes place on a new Remembrance Centre, part of £15.7million worth of improvements at the venue.
Sarah Montgomery, managing director of the Arboretum, said: "The project is a wonderful example of the way in which the Arboretum can inspire students about historic events and citizenship by enabling them to capture and share memories of veterans."
