IN VIDEO and PICTURES: Memorial to First Gulf War unveiled at National Arboretum
Hundreds of veterans joined the families of those who lost their lives in the First Gulf War to watch the unveiling of a memorial to those who fought in the conflict today.
The ceremony at the National Arboretum at Alrewas followed a three and a half year fund raising campaign by a small group of supporters.
They collected £70,000 through parties, sponsored parachute jumps, golf tournaments and a £35,000 contribution from the grateful government of Kuwait whose homeland was freed from the iron grip of Iraq by the conflict.
The cash bought a striking 12 feet high memorial made up of three steel pillars - representing the country's trio of armed services - topped with a steel ring, signifying how they joined together to create a victorious band of brothers.
The centre stone is a black granite reverse of the Gulf War medal awarded to those who took part in the conflict. It is surrounded by 47 York stones representing the British service personnel who lost their lives.
The centre stone has 48 poppy leaves - collected from last year's Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall - buried beneath it as further acknowledgement of the dead and a 48th in memory of those who have since passed away.
The memorial was unveiled by Mr Khaled Al-Duwaisan, the Kuwaiti Ambassador to the UK. Army padre David Johnstone conducted a service of dedication.
