Chris Young, a 73-year-old veteran from Great Sankey, has once again created a stunning display of poppies to honor fallen soldiers for Remembrance Day. Having served in the Royal Tank Regiment for 20 years before returning to the UK from Germany in 2009, Chris and his wife, Muriel, found a home in Great Sankey and began assisting other veterans and the British Legion.
Last year, Chris decided to create a wall of poppies outside his house, consisting of 700 poppies, as a tribute to the fallen soldiers. This year, he aimed to make the display even more significant and reached out for help to achieve this goal. With the support of former members of his regiment’s wives and local residents, Chris managed to collect around 1,600 handmade poppies for the display, more than double the previous year.
The display has caught the attention of many passers-by, including young children, who may not fully understand the significance but were given a poppy to take away. Chris believes that involving children in this remembrance is crucial to ensure that the sacrifices of fallen soldiers are never forgotten.
He emphasized the importance of educating children about British history and the sacrifices made by soldiers, stating, “For our tomorrow, they gave their yesterday.” The display serves as a visual reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served their country and the ongoing importance of honoring their memory.
As Remembrance Day approaches, Chris’s poppy display stands as a poignant tribute to the fallen soldiers and a symbol of gratitude for their service. By involving the community in creating and appreciating the display, Chris has ensured that the legacy of these soldiers lives on and continues to be respected and remembered.
