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City's wall of heroes revealed
This is the first look at the memorial wall that will commemorate the lives of Wearside's fallen servicemen and women.
>> Sign the Sunderland Echo Wall of Honour
Intended to resemble soldiers standing proudly in line, the gently curved wall remembers those who have fallen in battle since the Second World War.
Launched by relations of lost loved ones, the Brothers in Arms appeal started its fund-raising drive last year to build a lasting tribute in the city.
In just eight months, Wearsiders touched by the campaign have helped it raise 51,000, with fund-raising continuing.
It is estimated the memorial will cost between 90,000 and 100,000, and Sunderland will be the first city in the country with a dedicated memorial to its heroes who fell in recent battles.
Tom Cuthbertson, whose son, Para Nathan Cuthbertson, 19, was killed in Afghanistan in June 2008, was one of the relations of soldiers killed in combat and training who helped launch the appeal.
He said: "The response has been overwhelming and it really shows what people actually think of our lads out there fighting who have lost their lives. Everyone seems to be touched by what our forces do.
"The memorial is tremendous and it has really helped us through it all. It's kept us focused and showed how proud we are of our lad, and hopefully we've made him proud."
Wearsiders are being invited to have their say on how to shape the memorial, which will replace the green fence behind the cenotaph in Mowbray Park.
Designed by Fitz Architects, who offered their services for free, the proposed wall will be all different heights to mirror the individuality of the soldiers.
It will also be educational, documenting details of each conflict since the Second World War.
Janice Murray, whose son Michael Tench, 18, became one of the youngest victims of the Iraq conflict when he was killed in 2007, said: "It's amazing that all of these different people from right across the city have pulled together to make this happen.
"Sunderland has the largest Remembrance Day service outside of London and now we will have this. It's absolutely fantastic and will make a magnificent landmark for the city."
Wearsiders can view and comment on the proposal at a public exhibition at Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens tomorrow.
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Weather for Sunderland
Thursday 23 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: 7 C to 14 C
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