Despicable attack on Glenavy War Memorial

There has been widespread condemnation of a graffiti attack at Glenavy War Memorial.
Paint was daubed on Glenavy War Memorial on Sunday, November 13.Paint was daubed on Glenavy War Memorial on Sunday, November 13.
Paint was daubed on Glenavy War Memorial on Sunday, November 13.

The memorial in the village was daubed with black paint sometime after Sunday’s remembrance services.

Condemning the attack, Ulster Unionist Councillor Alexander Redpath said: “I am disgusted at this shameful act of vandalism. Only a day before this attack the people of the United Kingdom and the broader Commonwealth came together to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of freedom.

“The criminals behind this attack have shown complete disregard for the sacrifice of the fallen and community relations in Glenavy.

“I have reported this incident to Lisburn and Castlereagh Council with a request that they urgently intervene to restore the War Memorial to it’s original condition.”

DUP MLA Trevor Clarke commented: “This is a despicable incident and I utterly condemn it. It follows on from a day in which the South Antrim community came together in a solemn act of Remembrance, to remember all those brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

“This attack was cowardly and is in total contrast to those men and women who were remembered yesterday. This attack totally disrespectful and is not what the type of activity which the majority of people in Northern Ireland want to see within their communities.”

Councillor James Tinsley added: “I totally condemn this attack. Paint has been daubed on all four sides of the memorial. Those who have done this have no respect for their community.

“I have been in touch with the council who have informed me that they will clean the war memorial in the morning. I would urge anyone with any information to contact the PSNI.”

The attack on the war memorial has also been condemned by South Antrim MP Danny Kinahan and Steve Aiken MLA, both former servicemen, who described the incident as “vile” and “a shameful act of vandalism.”

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