A group of Muirkirk residents are remembering the lives of the men and women who fought in both world wars with a piece of commemorative artwork.
Inspired by the line “At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them,” from Laurence Binyon’s poem For the Fallen, the group aims to remember the people and what their lives could have been like had they not gone off to war.
Entitled Their Lives, the project seeks to invoke a thought-provoking response as they remember the individuals who didn’t come home.
A “lovingly-crafted” Celtic cross will be erected in the garden next to the village’s war memorial with several smaller crosses each commemorating the “loss of life and the devastation caused for loved ones left behind”.
On Monday, November 11, the artwork will be dedicated as part of the annual Armistice commemorations.
A spokesperson for the group said: “We shall never know what contribution these brave people would have made to the community in Muirkirk, what families may have been born, what relationships forged, what skills employed.
“We believe the tribute these people would want is one that endures, that we can all do frequently.
“Our men and women who served in the Armed Forces during the First World War, were
told it was ‘the war to end war’. How tragically wrong were these words.
“We choose to envisage how their lives could have contributed to the close-knit fabric of Muirkirk’s caring community.
“Instead of focussing on their final moments, we are seeking to remember these heroes in real life; who they were at home, their characters, abilities, interests and hobbies. Instead of loss down the
generations, what lasting differences might these people have made?
“This new creation aims to contemplate their lives, and hopes to inspire others to be kind and live together in peace.
“With the help of East Ayrshire Council, the group will be installing a combined piece of commemorative artwork in the garden adjacent to Muirkirk’s cenotaph. The dedication will take place on Monday, November 11, at 11.00am. All are welcome.”
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