Giant "Thank You" in honour of the First World War

2018 marks the centenary of the end of the First World War and the Royal British Legion is asking us to thank those who served, sacrificed and changed our world.

It has built huge letters spelling out the words 'Thank You', remembering not just those who served in World War One but all veterans. People crowded to add their messages of thanks when the installation came to Plymouth Hoe.

Suzanne Sparrow, herself a Wren in World War II, wanted to thank 'a remarkable generation'. Credit: Family

Suzanne Sparrow saw her family home in Plymouth destroyed during the Blitz. She also served as a Wren in World War II. She told ITV News, "What those people including people like my parents, went through in that war and the Second World War with only 20 years between them. They were a remarkable generation and we need to say thank you to them."

Garth Wright, a veteran of Dunkirk, also came to remember the sacrifice. Credit: ITV West Country

Dunkirk veteran Garth Wright took time out to attend on his 99th birthday. He said, "I think things like this are good to remind people of the value of peace and goodwill to mankind. I mean all at each others' blessed throats. It's terrible. I mean the Germans are exactly the same as us really and some of my best friends now are Jerries so what the devil were we at each others throats like that?".

The event also remembered the contribution made by many troops from the Commonwealth.

  • Video report by Claire Manning on the 'Giant Thank You'

The 'Thank You' installation is on tour in the run up to the 100th anniversary of the First World War on 11 November 2018. Find out more here