Captivating Remembrance lightshow illuminates Portsmouth house in poignant tribute
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Veterans and members of the public have been flocking to the Cosham home to see the display
A spectacular lightshow in honouring those who died serving our country has illuminated a home in Cosham.
Kelly and Myles Semmens have once again created a wonderful tribute to the armed forces and veterans by turning their house into a poignant piece of art. Bright colours dazzled the night’s sky as a poppy was emblazoned on the brickwork for Remembrance Sunday.
This was set up as the city of Portsmouth gathered together on November 8 to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. HR worker Kelly Semmens told The News: “We’ve been doing the remembrance lights for a number of years.
“We started it as we have a lot of respect for those we’ve lost, our veterans and people still serving. We just wanted to do something as our way of respecting the fallen. It’s been quite humbling this year
“Former personnel and their families have been stopping all the time. We saw a veteran standing there while gathering his thoughts and looking up at the lights.
“It was very humbling. I think it’s been really nice this year, and getting the support from those in the local area has been fantastic.”
The display took two days to put together, with programming for the lights needing to be done months in advance. Myles said: “We spend a few months early in the year programming and setting everything up. It gives you something to do in the bad weather. It’s an interesting process. I’m learning everyday.”
Kelly said the family have made donations to the Royal British Legion (RBL), who support former and current armed forces personnel and their families with various needs. They’ll soon be getting their Christmas lights together and raising money for Rowans Hospice. Twinkling displays will be programme in time with various festive songs.
“It’s a charity close to our hearts following the loss of some friends and family members,” Kelly said. “It’s important for us to give back something for all the care they have given our loved ones. It’s quite magical as the music and the lights are all synchronised together.”