Giant beach artwork honours service, sacrifice and SSAFA support ahead of D-Day anniversary

06 June 2026

A spectacular sand artwork created on Boulmer Beach, Northumberland has helped shine a spotlight on the work of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, ahead of the D-Day anniversary (Saturday 6 June).

The large-scale artwork combined the SSAFA logo with the crest and motto of RAF Boulmer and formed the centrepiece of a unique commemorative event bringing together serving personnel, veterans, military families, volunteers and supporters.

Created on the Northumberland coastline by SSAFA volunteers and RAF Boulmer personnel, the artwork provided a striking visual reminder of the service and sacrifice of Armed Forces personnel past and present, while also reflecting the close partnership between SSAFA Northumberland and RAF Boulmer and highlighting the support SSAFA provides across the entire Armed Forces community.

As the incoming tide gradually reclaimed the artwork, it provided a poignant reminder that while monuments and memorials may fade, the service and sacrifice they represent should never be forgotten.

Founded in 1885, SSAFA is the UK’s oldest tri-service military charity and provides practical, emotional and financial support to serving personnel, veterans and their families when they need it most. SSAFA believes that no one should battle alone.

Throughout the afternoon, invited guests watched the artwork take shape before a joint choir, (comprising The Military Wives Choir and the All Stars Choir), performed a series of moving pieces including music inspired by the Band of Brothers theme, Requiem to a Soldier and Elgar’s Nimrod. As the incoming tide gradually reclaimed the artwork, the scene provided a poignant reminder of remembrance, sacrifice and the passing of generations.

Caroline Pryer, Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland and Chair of SSAFA Northumberland, said: “This event was a wonderful way to recognise the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community while highlighting the vital support SSAFA provides across Northumberland and beyond.

“SSAFA is the only tri-service charity to offer lifelong practical, emotional and financial support to serving personnel, veterans and their families. Events like this help ensure people know that no one should battle alone and that support is available whenever it is needed.”
 
Martin Dickson, Chair of SSAFA’s Serving Community Volunteer Team at RAF Boulmer, said:
 
“The Boulmer Beach commemoration event brought people together to reflect on the contribution of our Armed Forces community while also raising awareness of the support available through SSAFA. The artwork created a powerful focal point for remembrance ahead of D-Day. As we finished the artwork, weather conditions deteriorated and it did rain, however this forced us to reflect on the conditions that D-Day service personnel would have faced.”