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An army of 5,000 ice sculptures slowly melting in the sunshine brought home to Birmingham the sacrifices so many were forced to endure in World War I.

Thousands gathered from across the world for their chance to place a frozen figure in memory of the men and women – not just soldiers – whose lives were taken during the conflict on the steps in Chamberlain Square.

With tears in their eyes, some decorated their sculptures with flowers and ribbons in memory of relatives who died in the trenches and at home.

The sculptures may have melted, but the memories of the poignant display will stay with the descendants forever.

Dark clouds and torrential rain had threatened to dominate yesterday’s event to mark the 100 years since the start of WWI.

But as soon as the first of the detailed sculptures were sat on the steps the blue skies and sunshine returned.

One of the first to place a carving was Pam Brooking whose great grandfather John Osborne Walford fought in the war with the 8th Batallion Worcester Regiment.

The Mail and our sister paper The Sunday Mercury previously reported how the twice winner of the Military Cross, from Birmingham, committed suicide three years after returning from the front line.

His family, now based in Wiltshire, only discovered his story six years ago.

Pam, aged 73, said: “I think it’s amazing. All these people turning out and they’re doing it for someone else. Soon they (the sculptures) will all be gone but we will have the memories of today.”

Karen Bird, aged 48, from Wythall, who works at St Mary’s Hospice was thinking of her great grandfather Arthur Thomas as she placed down her ice figure.

She said: “He was born in 1893 in Saltley and joined the Coldstream Guards in 1917. He was injured on the Somme in March 1918, he passed away in May 1918.

“I was putting him down today to mark 100 years. I felt really proud, it’s really emotional when you visit the battlefields, but today I got goosebumps.”

Lisa Hodge, a 45 year-old IT worker from Hodge Hill, attended the event regardless of having no known relatives who died during World War One.

She said: “I wanted to do it in memory of others because they laid down their lives for us the way I see it.

“It was very moving actually, it’s very effective.”

Jane Allen, aged 62, from Bullington, Warwickshire, said: “When the sun came out just as the artist was announcing it, it was amazing.”

Birmingham’s Lord Mayor Councillor Shafique Shah placed the first sculpture.

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He said: “I am delighted so many people are here and not just from England but from different countries.

“As Lord Mayor I’m pleased these people have come to this great city to take part in this very important day.”

Even as artist Nele Azevedo began a speech to introduce her work dark clouds and showers hung overhead.

It was only as her introduction ended and 18 freezers holding the sculptures were opened that blue sky and sunshine blasted through the square.

“It was like a gift from heaven,” said Brazillian Nele afterwards, “the same thing happened in Belfast in 2012.”

The installation in Birmingham was the first time Nele has brought her work to England.

It dwarfed her previous works which has seen up to 1,500 sculptures placed in various cities around the world.

Nele said she had been touched by the turnout and response to her work.

She said: “It was a very deep experience.

“This intervention brings us back to the original concept of what a monument is.”

But it was only possible with the help of 20 volunteers who helped to create the 5,000 sculptures on time.

“This is the largest intervention to date,” said Nele.

“The people of this city have had a lot of impact on me because they have committed their time working with us over the last two weeks.

“They have worked very hard to make this happen so I am tremendously impressed by their commitment.”

Nele’s work was brought to Birmingham with the help of the Birmingham Hippodrome’s Creative Programme Manager Sarah Allen.

As the last of the ice sculptures melted in the sun, she said: “So many people coming together in a collective way makes it very special.

“It’s not just a proud day for me but for the whole of the city.

“I’m really overwhelmed by how well it’s gone.”