Condemnation after poppy wreaths removed from Glengormley War Memorial

There has been cross-party condemnation following the removal of poppy wreaths from Glengormley War Memorial, hours after VJ Day was marked.
The incident has been condemned. Pic supplied by Ald Brett.The incident has been condemned. Pic supplied by Ald Brett.
The incident has been condemned. Pic supplied by Ald Brett.

The incident occurred after an act of remembrance was staged at Lilian Bland Park on August 15.

Commenting, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cllr Jim Montgomery said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the disgraceful act of vandalism to the poppy wreaths at Lilian Bland Park over the weekend.

“These wreaths were laid as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives and as a reminder of the sacrifice that was paid for our freedom today.

“Their destruction shows complete disregard for those servicemen and women who fought so valiantly for our country.

“I wholly condemn this unacceptable behaviour and appeal for anyone with any information to contact the PSNI.”

Echoing these sentiments, his UUP party colleague, Ald Mark Cosgrove stated: “In a weekend of remembrance to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of VJ Day, what kind of individual feels it is right to desecrate a memorial in this way?

“These wreaths symbolise the huge sacrifice of our Fallen who gave their tomorrow for our today, and this is a sickening and a deplorable act.

“Glengormley War Memorial, like all memorials across our country is a place of reflection for our residents to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and for current generations to reflect on the great sacrifice and loss of so many loved ones from within our community of all religions, creeds or none.

“I urge anybody with any information on this incident to contact the PSNI and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cllr Noreen McClelland said: “There is no place for such hate in Glengormley.

“This totally disrespectful act has caused much hurt and those involved have nothing to offer our community.”

Speaking after visiting the scene, DUP group leader, Ald Phillip Brett said: “The people of Glengormley are rightly angry at this disgraceful attack.

“People from across the community stood together on Saturday to remember those who laid down their lives for our freedom.

“This stands in stark contrast to those who hid under the cover of darkness to carry out this disgraceful attack. I am calling on anyone with any information to contact the PSNI.”

Glengormley Alliance representative, Ald Julian McGrath said: “This is an utterly disgusting act of vandalism. I’m appalled at the level of disrespect for this act of remembrance.

“People who do this offer nothing to our community, their actions are contemptible and I would urge anyone with information to please pass on to the PSNI on 101”

Sinn Fein Cllr Michael Goodman said the removal of the wreaths should be condemned.

He said: “The removal of wreaths from the War Memorial in Glengormley is to be condemned and does not represent the views of our community.

“Respectful and dignified remembrance is important for many people across our community, everyone is entitled to do that without disruption.”

A PSNI spokesperson said: “It was reported to police at around 2.20pm on Monday, August 17, that two poppy wreaths had been removed. It is understood the poppies were located undamaged nearby and returned to the war memorial.”

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