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World-War II Memorial Unveiled in Open Country Park

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  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. r-ii-memorial-unveiled-in-open-country-park.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 10:06 GMT by BBC

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A New World‑War II Tribute Opens to the Public in the Heart of the Open Country

A solemn ceremony on Sunday marked the opening of a new World‑War II memorial in the picturesque Open Country Park, a sprawling green space that has long been a gathering place for residents and visitors alike. The tribute, designed by renowned sculptor Eleanor Hughes, seeks to honor the men and women of the local community who served during the war, as well as to remind future generations of the sacrifices made for freedom.

The Vision Behind the Tribute

Eleanor Hughes was commissioned by the Open Country Heritage Trust in 2018 to create a piece that would be both contemporary and respectful of the past. In a press release issued by the Trust, Hughes explained that the memorial would embody the “quiet strength and resilience” that defined the town’s wartime spirit. “I wanted to create a space where people could pause, reflect, and remember,” she said. The design is anchored by a towering bronze sculpture of a soldier in uniform, his hands outstretched as if reaching toward the sky, surrounded by a low, stone wall inscribed with the names of 3,000 local servicemen and women.

The sculptural group rests on a bed of native limestone, chosen to echo the nearby hills that once served as training grounds for the army’s recruits. A series of wrought‑iron gates flank the entrance, each bearing a different emblem associated with the military branches that operated from the region—army, navy, air force, and home front volunteers. The memorial’s setting within the park allows visitors to walk around the monument, offering multiple perspectives and a sense of immersion.

The Unveiling Ceremony

The unveiling ceremony began at 10 a.m. on Sunday, with a brass band providing a stirring backdrop as veterans and their families gathered. Local Councilor Margaret Ellis opened the proceedings, delivering a brief but moving speech that acknowledged the “unfathomable courage” of the wartime generation. She highlighted the importance of community remembrance and thanked the Heritage Trust for securing funding through a mix of public and private donations.

One of the most poignant moments came when 92‑year‑old war veteran, Captain James O’Malley, stepped forward to lay a wreath of white lilies at the base of the bronze figure. “These lilies remind me of the fields back home,” he said, tears welling in his eyes. “It is an honour to have my fellow townsfolk remember our sacrifice in such a beautiful place.”

The official unveiling was conducted by Mayor Susan Blake, who cut a ceremonial ribbon, after which Hughes stepped forward to unveil the sculpture. The bronze soldier gleamed under the midday sun, reflecting a quiet dignity that resonated with the audience. Following the ribbon cutting, a choir sang a rendition of “A Soldier’s Song,” followed by the playing of “We’ll Never Forget” on the town’s antique organ, which had been restored for the occasion.

A Tribute for All Ages

The memorial is designed not only as a place of solemn remembrance but also as an educational resource. An information board placed beside the sculpture provides a brief overview of the local town’s involvement in WWII, including the number of enlistments, losses, and notable acts of bravery. It also features QR codes that, when scanned, link to oral histories recorded by the Open Country Heritage Trust, offering listeners first‑hand accounts of wartime experiences.

In addition to the main memorial, a landscaped garden has been incorporated into the park’s design. The garden, tended by the local volunteer group “Flowers for Freedom,” is filled with wartime‑era plants such as poppies and cornflowers, which traditionally signify remembrance. The garden also hosts a small, low‑profile plaque that reads: “For those who served and those who did not.” The intent is to extend the tribute to include the families, volunteers, and civilians who supported the war effort from the home front.

Further Resources and Community Engagement

The article’s original source links to a few valuable resources for readers who wish to learn more. A video of the unveiling ceremony, posted by the Open Country Heritage Trust, is available on their official YouTube channel. For those who prefer written accounts, a photo gallery showcasing the memorial’s construction, the ceremony, and the surrounding park is hosted on the trust’s website. Additionally, a link directs readers to an interactive map of WWII sites across the country, highlighting how the Open Country tribute fits into the broader narrative of national remembrance.

The Heritage Trust has also announced a series of guided tours beginning next month, which will include talks by historians and a visit to the nearby museum where original wartime artifacts are displayed. These tours are part of a broader initiative to keep the memory of WWII alive in the public consciousness, especially among younger generations.

The Significance of the Tribute

For many locals, the memorial is a tangible reminder that the past is not a distant memory but a living part of the community’s identity. The park, once simply a green space for picnics and sports, has gained a new layer of significance, becoming a place where history is felt as much as it is learned.

The memorial’s design balances the timeless and the modern, with Hughes’ sculpture standing out against the natural backdrop of the park. The choice of bronze, a material traditionally associated with permanence, juxtaposed with the transient nature of the poppy‑filled garden, underscores the fleeting yet powerful impact of war on society.

As Mayor Blake concluded her remarks, she said, “This tribute is a testament to the bravery of those who served and a reminder that the freedoms we enjoy today are built on their sacrifices. It is a gift to us all.” Her words echo the sentiment expressed by the council, the Heritage Trust, and, most importantly, the veterans who attended the unveiling.

In Sum

The World‑War II tribute in Open Country Park is more than a monument; it is a living, breathing part of the community’s landscape. Through thoughtful design, community involvement, and a commitment to education, the memorial offers a place where history can be remembered, honored, and passed on. Visitors are encouraged to explore the park, walk around the bronze soldier, and take in the stories etched in stone, ensuring that the bravery of the past continues to resonate in the present and into the future.