Joy Morrissey MP has written to the Secretary of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport supporting the campaign for statues in the home towns of recipients of the Victoria Cross and the George Cross.
Dear Oliver,
Re: Statues for recipients of VC and GC
For a person to serve their country in uniform is the most profound service they can give. To do so and show valour commensurate with the awarding of our highest military honours is an extraordinary accomplishment. Those that have provided this exemplar of service are should be recognised in their own communities.
We can be incredibly proud, in the UK, of those who have stepped up to serve in all of it’s forms. However, in particular, those who have been awarded the Victoria Cross “for valour in the face of the enemy” and the George Cross “for acts of the greatest heroism or for most conspicuous courage in circumstance of extreme danger” are deserving of special recognition.
All of these brave and gallant heroes hail from somewhere in our country, whether it be our great cities or beautiful villages. Too often there is little knowledge of the men and women who have been so highly decorated in their own home town. I believe that they deserve to be known and that their communities deserve to know of them.
The Common Sense Group have launched a campaign to honour every recipient of the VC and GC through the erection of a statue, immortalising them in their place of birth. Where this is not practically possible, these heroes could be recognised by a plaque, or have a public building, park or road named or renamed after them.
I believe that this is an excellent way to educate, inspire and inform our people as to the heroes in their midst. I would be most grateful if you could find a way of making this campaign a reality.
Yours sincerely,
Joy