By Isle of Wight Observer
A pet shop in Newport has transformed its front window into a moving tribute ahead of Remembrance Sunday next weekend.
The impressive display in Pets With Hart, created by the shop’s owners, Sharon and David Groves, has become an annual tradition that pays tribute to those who have served and made sacrifices for the country.
Sharon explained the motivation behind the display. She said: “We do a memorial window every year. I feel very strongly that we need to remember all those that have given, so that we can live our lives as we’re able to now, or else there’s nothing, they just get forgotten.”
The couple’s commitment to honouring veterans and fallen servicemen is evident in the thoughtful arrangement of poppies, symbolising the courage and resilience of those who have served. As well as the traditional red poppy, the display also includes purple poppies, paying tribute to animals lost in service and to those who serve us today across all services, including police, prison, fire, border force as well as the military.
The tribute is not only a visual spectacle but also a poignant reminder of the struggles many veterans continue to face. Sharon highlighted the importance of acknowledging the mental and physical sacrifices made by servicemen; she explained: “It also helps all the veterans that are still around. They see that their sacrifices are remembered, and so many have been injured, tragically, permanently.”
The decorated window always receive a positive response from the community, with many customers expressing their appreciation for the heartfelt gesture. “People come in and say it’s lovely,” Sharon added. In addition to the window display, the shop has a poppy collection box.
Mal Butler