Engraver of microscopic Remembrance poem says it symbolises unseen sacrifices
A micro-engraver, who inscribed the famous poem In Flanders Fields onto a piece of metal that can fit within the eye of a needle, has said the special Remembrance tribute symbolises the "unseen" sacrifices of the fallen.
Graham Short, 77, inscribed 405 characters onto a piece of metal from his grandfather's First World War cap badge.
Mr Short's grandfather joined the Coldstream Guards at the age of just 14 as one of the 250,000 'boy soldiers' as they were called, going on to become a sergeant.
He told Forces News the tiny piece of work represents out how the sacrifices of the fallen can be easily overlooked and must not be forgotten.
He explained: "We've got to keep the memories alive, that’s what it's all about. It's so important.
"As long as we can keep doing it every year and also really remember them in between [we] can't just let it slip."
Mr Short says it is crucial that young people understand the sacrifices of their forbears.
"I've been around to several schools and I give talks and I do my PowerPoint display and tell them and show them my work and I've just got to keep pushing it.
"The youngsters, they're like sponges, they take it all in, they absolutely love it."
Mr Short also collaborated with micro-sculptor Dr Willard Wigan to make a one-off commemorative piece called Time To Remember The Missing Soldier.
A microscopic soldier stands on top of a World War One Lee Enfield 303 bullet.
Dr Wigan told Forces News the smallest item can contain the biggest message, saying: "It represents all those that will never be seen again.
"When they look through the microscope, they see what's missing and that's why I call it the Missing Soldier.
"That little soldier, I’ve brought him back to life for him to deliver that little message."
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