2012 Project365 (Day 82)
Categories: guernsey, project365-2
Tags: project365, Liberation, Guernsey
Date: 22 March 2012 23:16:51
Today's picture is of the Guernsey Liberation Monument. This was erected for the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the island.
As many readers of my blog will know, the Channel Islands were occupied form 1940-1945 by the Germans, time which was very difficult for islanders, both for those who remained and those who were evacuated. It is one of the things that makes the island distinct and special and something that we will continue to remember.
This monument was designed to cast a shadow on the curved seating on 9 May. The seating itself has several inscriptions, most notably the one that says, "Our dear Channel Islands are also to be freed today. - Winston Churchill". The obelisk is made up of 50 layers of Guernsey granite, one layer for each year of freedom and the top five layers are sheared off to mark the five years of occupation. The monument is situated near the Weighbridge Clock Tower at St Peter Port Harbour as it was here that the islanders greeted the liberating forces.
So, a brisk trip through recent Guernsey history!