"There But Not There" silhouettes overlook the Golden Gate Bridge in California.

‘There But Not There’ silhouettes honor WWI fallen, raise funds for military charities

By Freddie Jacobsen
There But Not There

A new nationwide campaign to commemorate the centenary of World War One and raise funds for military charities was launched across the United States this week.

The campaign is called ‘There But Not There’ and all across the United States, six foot tall, life size Soldier Silhouettes have sprung up to remind people of the great contribution made by U.S. and allied forces 100 years ago.

The Soldier Silhouettes have appeared at major landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Gateway Arch in St Louis, in Times Square New York and at various memorial sites all over Washington DC.

The campaign is a U.S. World War 1 Centennial Commission Commemorative Partner. Members of the public are being encouraged to buy 10 inch versions of the poignant silhouettes, made by veterans, to raise funds for U.S. and British military charities."There But Not There" silhouettes in front of the Capitol in Washington, DC.

The grassroots campaign, backed by UK's Prince Harry, began in the United Kingdom, has raised nearly $3 million since it launched just eight weeks ago and it is hoped that the campaign can do the same for veterans in the United States.

The campaign Stateside will support the U.S. Invictus Games team and also has the backing of former Joint Special Operations (JSOC) and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Commander, General Stanley McChrystal, who said: “It has been my privilege to lead our nation's finest warriors and I believe it is our duty to remember each and every hero who sacrificed their life for our country.

General McChrystal continued: “I am extremely proud to support There But Not There, a nationwide tribute commemorating the centenary of World War One and raising money for today's Veterans.

"It is my honor to support this project, not only to remember more than 100,000 Americans lost in WWI, but to help veterans who need it today.”

The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry, is an international adaptive sporting event for wounded, injured and sick military men and women. The Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect of all those who serve their country.

There But Not There Ambassador and former U.S. Invictus Games competitor Major Ivan Castro is launching the campaign.

"There But Not There" silhouettes near the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO.A former U.S. Army officer and Airborne Ranger with Special Forces Command, Major Castro only recently left the military, despite losing his eyesight on Operations in Iraq in 2006. Still living at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Major Castro’s wounds were caused when a mortar round landed near him, severely injuring him and a number of his platoon.

An advocate of rehabilitation, employment and education for wounded warriors, Major Castro was awarded the Purple Heart for his actions in Iraq and now participates in various races and marathons as a competitor.

Major Castro said: “These Soldier Silhouettes represent more than just the great contribution made by our grandparents and great grandparents during World War One, they, for me, represent all those who have served or continue to serve our great nation.

Major Castro continued: “The There But Not There campaign is a moving tribute to our military and the veteran community. The fact that I am able to commemorate the huge sacrifice made by so many, whilst also raising funds for our wounded warriors attending the Invictus Games in Australia later this year, is a privilege.”

He added: “Visit www.therebutnotthere.com to buy your Soldier Silhouette, honour the great sacrifice made 100 years ago and help our US Invictus Games team to victory.”

For more information relating to There But Not There, or to see how you could get involved in holding your own installation, visit: www.therebutnotthere.com