Sick vandals torch wreaths
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Armagh Cenotaph, which has been extensively damaged by an arson attack. PW4749
by STEPHEN RICHARDSON.
SICK vandals have torched wreaths and and caused fire damage to The Cenotaph at The Mall, Armagh.
The arson attack came just eight days after the poignant Remembrance Day ceremonies on the site.
It is feared that damage to The Cenotaph could run into many thousands of pounds, but this will only be confirmed after intensive examination to the memorial.
The atrocity has been widely condemned by the Sinn Fein Mayor of Armagh, Councillor Noel Sheridan, the Armagh Branch of the Royal British Legion, by ex-service personnel, local councillors and the general public.
The attack occurred shortly before 11.30pm on Monday night when it was reported to local police that wreaths had been set on fire at The Cenotaph.
Armagh Fire Brigade was immediately called to the scene and they quickly extinguished the blaze.
However, 16 wreaths were destroyed and considerable scorch damage was caused by the intense heat after an accelerant was used to fan the flames.
The Cenotaph was the scene of both Remembrance and Armistice Day ceremonies this month, as tributes were paid to the The Fallen in two world wars and other theatres of conflict since.
A devastated spokesman from the Armagh Branch of the Royal British Legion told of his bewilderment after learning about the wanton destruction.
He stated: "On hearing of the damage to The Cenotaph, my initial feelings are of astonishment, disbelief and disgust. I cannot begin to understand the mindset of the individuals who carried it out, but I am confident that they do not represent any significant body of opinion in Armagh.
“I believe that all Legion members and the great majority of the people of Armagh will agree with me.
“For the last three weeks or so, our collectors have been out and about and, when asked about their reception by the general public, they are unanimous in saying how generous and courteous everyone has been. There have been no reports of any incivility.
“The Remembrance Day service has attracted larger attendances each year for some time and that trend continued this year. That has not been peculiar to Armagh.
“In the Republic, there is a realisation that the sacrifices of a generation have gone unrecognised and great efforts are being made to atone for that neglect.
“Remembrance Day services are held in many towns and the Poppy Appeal is being strongly supported in what would have been seen as the most unlikely places a few short years ago.
“Those who carried out this act of wanton vandalism probably do not agree with that trend, but we must not allow them to stop it or slow it down. Any similar retaliation would be self-defeating and would be strongly condemned by the Legion".
Sinn Féin Mayor, Cllr Noel Sheridan, also condemned the events at The Cenotaph.
He said: "This unwarranted attack must be condemned by everyone in the Armagh City and District area. To carry out such an attack is wrong but, to do so on a monument which commemorates the dead, can have no justification.
"I have seen that the granite of plinth has cracked due to the heat, where the poppy wreaths laid in remembrance had been set alight after a flammable liquid had been thrown on them.
"Such acts do nothing to improve community relations in this city and I would urge anyone with relevant information to contact the PSNI and help stop any further such attacks".
Local DUP Councillor for Armagh City, Freda Donnelly, also strongly condemned the arson, saying: "This is an absolutely disgraceful act of wanton vandalism and a complete disregard to the memory of all who fought and died in the wars, especially at a time when both communities are coming together to remember The Fallen.
“It was obviously a pre-meditated act to desecrate the wreaths and an attempt to deface the War Memorial itself. It serves no purpose, other than to divide and to stoke up tensions in the area".
These sentiments were echoed by Ulster Unionist MLA for Newry and Armagh, Danny Kennedy.
He stormed: "I am absolutely appalled and disgusted at the attack on the War Memorial. This simply is not acceptable behaviour".
Local MLA and DUP Councillor William Irwin also roundly condemned the destruction, adding: "This is a total disgrace and it's hard to believe that there are those out there who would stoop so low as to desecrate a monument and wreaths, which were laid last week in memory of those who gave their lives in two world wars and, indeed, from both communities No words can describe this blatant desecration".
Ulster Unionist Councillor Sylvia McRoberts called on the local community to come together and provide information so that "the perpetrators of such mean atrocities are made amenable for their actions".
“This attack was absolutely outrageous, especially so soon after the Remembrance Day ceremony. This is a very important and poignant occasion for many families and such wanton vandalism causes great stress to everyone.
"This type of anti-social behaviour is almost beyond belief but, unfortunately, seems to be on the increase.
“Everyone must take steps, while working in co-operation with the Police Service, to end these attacks and bring the vandals to justice". Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire and have made an appeal for witnesses to come forward. The number to call is 0845 600 8000 or, alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.֜
