7/3/2008

More than two thirds of people in Wales do not think enough is done to recognise the sacrifice made by UK troops who have lost their lives in Iraq, according to a survey revealed today Friday by The Art Fund, the UK's leading art charity, less than three weeks before the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq.

The charity is supporting official war artist, Steve McQueen, in his call for Royal Mail to issue the postage stamps he has created in his work Queen and Country, each dedicated to a member of the armed forces who has lost their life in Iraq.

The Art Fund gave 'Queen and Country' to the Imperial War Museum in November 2007, and is urging the public to demonstrate their support for the issuing of the stamps and
sign the petition at www.artfund.org/queenandcountry


The survey found that seven out of 10 people in Wales would like to see Royal Mail issue McQueen's stamps. This is more popular amongst those in Wales as a way to demonstrate recognition of those troops who have lost their lives in Iraq than an additional public holiday or parades.

Respondents also chose medals and a countrywide minute of silence as fitting ways to pay tribute to the 175 British
service men and women killed since the conflict began in 2003. In another survey carried out by British Forces Broadcasting Service 92% of British troops currently
in service across the world are also in support of the stamps.

Mr Roger Bacon, father of Major Matthew James Bacon, Intelligence Corps, who died on September 11 2005 aged 34, said:

"My wife and I have never doubted the support of the
majority of the public and these surveys confirmed that. It is hugely important to us and other families that Steve McQueen's Queen and Country facsimile stamps are
issued as real stamps by Royal Mail. Signing up to The Art Fund petition for the stamps would demonstrate the public's real support for our troops and would honour the memory of all those heroes who gave their lives in Iraq."

Anyone wishing to join the appeal and sign the petition which will be presented to Royal Mail can visit www.artfund.org/queenandcountry
.

Queen and Country is currently on display at the Imperial War Museum.