A special wall-mounted metal Tommy has been assembled on campus ahead of Remembrance Day.

The iconic Tommy figure is an unknown soldier that represents the lives of armed services personnel that have been lost in the line of duty. It serves as a universal reminder of their sacrifice and bravery, as well as showing our gratitude and appreciation for their service, not only during the Remembrance period but all year round. Padre Dave Skillen, Principal Roman Catholic (RAF) and Station Chaplain of RAF Odiham, was invited to lead the unveiling of Tommy and gave a speech to our Uniformed Public Services learners.

Padre Skillen commented: "It's been an honour to be with members of Eastleigh College today and it's wonderful that staff and students have welcomed "Tommy" into their community - in doing this they are honouring our fallen and choosing to perpetuate the important lessons of past conflicts and and thereby foster values that serve to make your community and our world more just and peaceful places rooted in fraternity."

The Tommy initiative was first launched by veterans at Royal British Legion’ Industries (RBLI) and has since been embraced by the British Public with statues, silhouettes and wall mounts installed in towns and communities across the country to commemorate the nation’s fallen. Every Tommy that is purchased provides financial support to veterans and helps keep them in permanent paid employment. The RBLI provides a home to over 300 veterans and their families through the Aylesford Village – as well as housing, this community provides welfare support, tailored healthcare and purpose-built facilities.

Sue Lyons, Head of Public Services at Eastleigh College, said: “We are delighted to have installed this Tommy monument in time for Remembrance Day this year, and we hope this physical reminder of the sacrifices that have been made will make the day more meaningful for our College community.”

Ian Adams, Lecturer in Public Services at Eastleigh College, said: “We are delighted to have installed a Tommy figure on our campus, which is symbolic and shows gratitude to our Armed Forces. Through this development, we are actively supporting financial aid for veterans and we have no doubt that Tommy will be an inspiring addition to our College campus.”

Remembrance Day this year falls on Friday 11^th November and a two-minute silence will take place at 11 AM on this day. All staff and students are welcome and encouraged to gather at our new Tommy monument during this time, with the spacious surroundings giving the opportunity for many to come together to commemorate.

For more information on how to support the Remembrance Day programme, please click here.

For any further queries, please contact the College at BeBetter@eastleigh.ac.uk.