Dear Alfred ........

... or Frank, Jack, Wilfred .... I have belatedly come across the national project to write a letter to the Unknown Soldier whose statue graces platform one at Paddington Station. The letters, of which there will probably be many thousands, are to form a written war memorial which will appear online. Submissions already received and posted make thought-provoking reading at :

www.1418now.org.uk/letter/

Reading the letter

I have passed by the statue on many occasions but have only occasionally given it any thought. A good opportunity now to reflect for a while in a more concerted fashion and put pen to paper - as that soldier's wife or sweetheart, mother or sister perhaps? Or as myself now, in the 21st century, looking back at what we have made of the world he fought and may have died for? Not much time I'm afraid - submissions close on August 4th - but do take a look at the website and maybe add to the soldier's postbag with a letter of your own.