RELATIVES of men and women from Southampton who lost their lives serving in all conflicts since the First World War are being urged to make sure their bravery is not forgotten.
Southampton City Council is collecting the names of armed forces and merchant navy personnel to be inscribed on new glass walls of remembrance next to the city’s cenotaph.
The council believes it has the names of all those from the city who lost their lives during first and second world wars.
However, only a few people have come forward with the names of loved ones killed in conflicts since 1945.
Councillor John Hannides, Southampton City Council’s Cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Heritage, said: “I would urge anyone who knows of a family member or friend who has given their life in conflict to contact the Public Art department to ensure their name is included on the memorial walls, and their bravery will never be forgotten.”
Eight glass panels are set to go up alongside the cenotaph in Watts Park to safeguard the names of the 2,000 war dead which are in danger of fading.
A further 1,200 names of those who died in conflicts after the First World War will also be etched on the panels.
Archie Parsons, secretary for the Southampton branch of the Royal British Legion said: “The memorial will provide a fitting tribute in the city to all those Southampton people who gave their lives defending our freedom.”
The city council has contributed £50,000 to the project.
A Daily Echo-backed fundraising campaign, spearheaded by the Chamber of Commerce, is under way to find an additional £87,000. The total stands at nearly £11,000.
To add a name to the roll of honour contact the council’s project officer on 023 8083 2925.
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