Vandals damage Fredericton cenotaph, angering vets

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Vandals damage Fredericton cenotaph, angering vets

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CTV Atlantic: Andy Campbell in Fredericton, N.B.

Police are studying surveillance video from the site in an attempt to identify suspects.

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The New Brunswick provincial cenotaph sits in ruins after it's believed it was damaged by vandals in Fredericton, N.B., Monday, Nov. 9, 2009.

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'It's sad to hear the "Fredericton Peace Coalition" say that the vandalism of the cenotaph is insignificant compared to the "real crime" of the war in Afghanistan.'That is why I have absolutely no respect for groups like this one. They always consider themselves right and everyone else is wrong period. As for for the idiots who did the damage: "Stupid is as stupid does".

Tim from Calgary

Vandals damage Fredericton cenotaph, angering vets

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Vandals damage Fredericton cenotaph, angering vets

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Tue. Nov. 10 2009 8:47 PM ET

The shattered pieces of a granite cross broken off a cenotaph in Fredericton have been removed from the site so Remembrance Day ceremonies can go ahead as planned.

The splintered chunks of granite were loaded onto a flatbed truck Tuesday and taken to storage until the cross can be repaired.

Officials believe vandals tore down the cross at the city's war memorial some time over the weekend, smashing it to pieces.

Local veterans were shocked by the destruction, particularly because it occurred days before Canadians will gather across the country to honour their war dead.

"So many things went through my head that it put me right almost on my knees," one veteran told CTV Atlantic. "I looked at it and said, 'No, that's not true, it can't be, especially two days before Remembrance Day.'"

Another veteran said he believes vandals either tied the two-metre cross to a rope and pulled it down using the force of a truck, or several people "got behind it and gave it an awful good push."

Police are studying surveillance video from the site in an attempt to identify suspects.

Local official Harold Boone said the city will try to repair the cross by spring. Repairs will likely cost several thousand dollars.

With a report from CTV Atlantic and files from The Canadian Press

Comments are now closed for this story

Corey In Fredericton
said
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I think Remembrance Day as a whole is disgraceful. It should be about remembering the mistakes of the past, and not repeating them. Canada is currently involved in a war, therefore we haven't learned anything from history. After the sacrifice that so many soldiers made in both World War I and that ridiculous sequel, as a civilized people we should have swore "never again". Yet we have learned nothing. We continue to fight more wars, in fact pointless wars. In WW II the Nazis were an enemy that had to stopped. Now we have no enemy, so we're just going to war for... for what? What is the point of the war in Afghanistan? It in no way effects Canada. We are sending young people to their deaths, having a war for the sake of war. Good for business? War stimulates the economy, that's been historically proven. Someone is making alot of money off the war in Afghanistan. I do not condone Remembrance Day in anyway. Not until the violence stops. Only then will the memories of our fallen soldiers truly be honored. I do not support our troops, I do not support anything that fuels further warfare. I support peace. Who cares about some war monument? It's not someone's grave, it's just a symbolic slab of stone. The vandals will be charged for destroying public property. The suggestion that these people should be forced into military service, is ludicrous, and laughable. You people seem to forget that we live in a democratic society. You can't force your beliefs on others, and you can't force people to care about your stupid wars.

Sk Doctor
said
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Thoughtless idiots...

Just got back!
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@ ScottS"Stand by your troops and the inflammatory "if you don't stand by them stand in front of them" rhetoric is over the top. This sort of campaigning only isolates individuals and creates targets like this cenotaph. I completly stand by our military past, present and furture but when some one trots out those lines about troops I could spit in their face. Be inclusive not divisive."- I'd like to see you try to spit in my face pal.

JPKC
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It always surprises me that people are shocked by these types of events. Some people, as we see from this tragedy, take the freedoms and way of life that our veterans fought for, for granted. All the CF personnel who have died, died knowing that they signed the dotted line to protect the Canadian way of life, and freedoms and values that Canada upholds. They stand together, old veterans and new veterans shoulder to shoulder remembering fallen soldiers of past and present wars, at the cenotaph off all villages, towns, and cities across the country, and so do all Canadians, stand together shoulder to shoulder all paying their last respects to the fallen hero�s of Canada. The people who did this will never understand why Canadians stand together on 11th Nov, nor will they every understand why people serve their country out of duty so others do not have too, and pay with their lives, so we all can stand free. It is simple, a monument may not stand the test of time, or the dregs of society who have unscrupulous morals, but what will, are those Canadians and veterans standing shoulder to shoulder paying our respects to Canada�s fallen hero�s, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month each year.

Teddy
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War is hell but we have left the teaching of history to a bunch of softheaded leftists In Canada who don't want to understand the history or the necessity of the sacrifices made by our parents and grandparents against totalitarian regimes. People who do understand would never desecrate a war memorial or any grave. lets hope these nitwits never have to live in a situation where there freedom is threatened or taken away. They wouldn't know what to do. If caught they should be put to work repairing the damage in public.

Rose
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If they catch them they should be sent to France with some of our veterans to learn about how Canada became a nation ! Go to the grave sites of our troops who died during ww1 and ww2 .

Jeff
said
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I would encourage all who are moved by this story to look up a video called "A Pittance of Time" by Terry Kelly. It brought tears to my eyes!

bj
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2 words describe this story... ...... Moronic cowards!!

Marcel
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I wish people would stopvandalizing cenotaphs and cemeraties. These people have no respect for the deceased and their families. Thank you

Brett in Alberta
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@ Kris. Because that too is part of our past.

Jason
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To all those suggesting the culprits be forced into the army or sent to Afghanistan: these vandals do not deserve the privilege of serving in uniform.

JB in Calgary
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I agree with everyone in that this is a disgrace and it is good to see so many people care. But these men and women can never be disgraced. Our Vets can never be spit on. These kids don't understand...yet. The day will come when they will understand what they have done. They will understand why these monuments scatter our country and others to pay tribute to our soliders' sacrifice. They will understand, as I do, that they have not disgraced anybody, except themselves.

Marcus Orilius
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THis is why vigil party's are formed for occasions where memorials will be used, yes they look prety, but they will also, first politely, then by force prevent you from doing things like this, same apply's to flag party's, where flags of significance are escorted by presons of military decent, usualy carrying (empty) guns.

Nancy from CFB PETAWAWA
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What has this world come to... This is beyond sad I'm a proud Canadian, Military brat & Military wife and this breaks my heart, I would be more then happy to send a donation to help fix the cenotaph. To the people who vandalized the cenotaph SHAME ON YOU!! It is thanks to the war vets that you have to freedom to make such poor choices with your life! why don't you walk in the boots of a soldier for a few days!!!

Kris
said
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Instead of rebuilding the cross why don't they build a monument to the veterans and not one of the religions some of them may have had.

Craig from NS
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Too bad our justice system can't give them the option of jail time or military service like they used to. They'd quickly learn to appreciate what they have.

Pip
said
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Disgusting. It is acts of vandalism like this that make me wish for the return of public flogging. Unfortunately sociologists and psychologists have persuaded lawmakers that shame is a bad thing. Pity. The perpetrators of this act need to be publicly shamed.

roby-d
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I think when these vandals are caught, they should be sentenced to forced military service. Not that we would ever want these kind of people entrusted with OUR safety, but maybe they will get a first-hand view of the sacrifices our Veterans still make, let alone the sacrifices made generations ago.

Scott
said
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I agree this is a tasteless act of vandalism and if caught the perpetrators should be prosecuted. It probably would be fitting that their community service have something to do with veterans. I think people really need to step back though and realize that the law doesn't, and shouldn't punish in anger. I am angry too but you have to realize that "public flogging" or "sending them to Afghanistan" is the opposite of freedom. They should suffer the same penalties, such as restitution and community service as any other crime of equal financial value. In regards to the Fredericton Peace Movement or whatever they are called. Their comments may be seen as tasteless but I can certainly see, if I was seriously against the war how property destruction, even if it is symbolic, doesn't compare with large scale death.

Tanglereid
said
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There should be no mention of the cost of repair in this story. The value of what was destroyed here can only be measured at the front lines. A good stint in Afghanistan might teach these destructive morons the value of what they have destroyed.

CMQ IN NB
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I hope whoever did this act takes some time to reflect on what you have done and the people you have spit on!!!!!!In the wars that have threatened our freedoms and rights young men and women who never experienced the freedoms and comfort of living we do today went and died, some as young as 18 or younger. They never had a chance for first love, first kiss, success, a career. Their first love was their country. Some never saw their families again while others who did come back were so crippled within from the hell of war they wished they had died. Only someone who has not taken the time to contemplate what we have because of the sacrifices given could have done this. Open your eyes and see what you have because if you don't appreciate the sacrifices and you don't appreciate your freedom then jail is really what you deserve. Maybe then, when you have lost your freedom from your own ungratefulness, not from an external threat, you might comprehend what people gave you at the cost of their life. Maybe if they find out who did this sending them over seas to a war zone would be a better eye opener than jail. I am sure some of our boys and girls over there would love to provide the lesson. God bless our troops!!!!!!

Mac from ON
said
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The perpatrators of this crime must be brought to justice with the legal system finding them guilty as charged, It can then be creative in providing punishment to fit the crime. Two to three years in a Veterens Home caring for the people who paid the price for their freedom would be constructive. If they choose not to co-operate, provide a stiff jail sentence in lieu of. People in this country must get accountable for their actions.I worked a year in a country that administered the lash, and guess what, very little vandalism.

Pete - Bathurst
said
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If the individuals who did this had half the ba**s it takes to put a uniform on and protect your country they would step up and take responsibility.

Jim - North Saanich, BC
said
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One can never underestimate just how far some forms of "low-life" can actually can really stoop. While other may feel differently, I can see little purpose in ever trying to prosecute scum-bags like this in the unlikely event they are actually caught. Given that the law and justice rarely converge, it would be far better to simply publish their names, photographs and addresses and at least justice will be served.

Portes
said
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As a Veteran I just wonder sometimes why we wasted our time figting for the rights we died and were wounded for. The Fredericton Peace group needs to have their heads read, they are a very sick bunch of people and can't see their noses for their face. We all agree or disagree with the Afghanistan conflict, but it is not up to a bunch of people with no interest to say whether it is right or wrong. I suggest if they have so much to say let them put on the uniform and go over there and see what it is like. I hope they catch thse people and put them away for good. Let them see the Afghan children who need our help and the people who are killed by their own, because of a fanatical bunch of people

bryan fraser- Owen Sound Ontario
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thanks ctv for posting this story, Year after year we hear more of these types of disrespectfull acts to our National Memorials, Cenotaphs & in turn to our veterans. With the way tensions in the world are today we need more & more a National Day of Remembrance in the form of a Stat Day. In Ontario this is only Govt workers, our schools dont even close to allow students to go to the Cenotaphs & i believe their are only now 3 provinces where this is Not a stat Day.We need to remember those who gave us the freedoms that many of us enjoy today. We have only 3 Canadian ww1 vets left Are we going to wait until all our WW2 & Korea vets are gone?. We need to show proper respect on the 11th day of the 11th month. And maybe just maybe we would see less of these senseless acts of vandalism & disrespect, We need to reach out to our youth with education. We need to be given the chance to pay proper respect to those that fought for our freedoms, those that fought against tyrany & We need to give proper respect to those that gave the Ultimate sacrifice. We Will Remember Them

Ottawa Vet
said
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Although this act is disrespectful (much like the Grinch stealing everyone's presents) what is more important is that we all still come out and pay our respects on Nov 11. As a veteran, I'm much less concerned about a stone cenotaph (they can always be repaired/improved) than about community remembering our service members, past and present.

Brian
said
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Those that done this should be shipped at WAR with not Gun to defend themself. Hope they found it and paid for everything that will cost.

Reservist
said
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Send them to Afghanistan and let them walk in front of the APC's so they can serve our country as mine clearers.

Jim
said
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Outrageous, cowardly, disgusting!

Tim from Calgary
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Scott - Hong Kong Vets Grandson in Calgary
said
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I suggest that when this type of atrocity occurs, normal "jail time" or fines are not suitable. I say we enlist these vandals in to the military and show them, first hand, what war is like. Maybe then will they understand why these cenotaphs are sacred monuments meant to inspire memories of our beloved Vets who risked their lives and died for our freedoms. This should not go unpunished!

p.i.
said
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It's a shame that things like this happen. I suspect that some misguided young people are so indignant about our mission overseas that they also consider the world wars dishonorable. If they took the trouble to read their history and to talk to a few vets (or even to a few people who lived through the war), they might begin to understand the difference.

AProudVet
said
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The proper punishment here would be to spend every free minute of their time, (outside of school/work/sleep), to work in the hospitals where our Vets are for the next 3 years. They should also have to pay restitution with $ and MANUAL labor tending the gravesites of our Vets. Finally, they should have to give speeches in schools yearly and tell the stories about the sacrifice, courage and bravery our men and woman gave and are still giving!!!

Bill Steedman, Peterborough, ON
said
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Anger aside, I can't begin to fathom what would motivate individuals to do this...it is simply beyond my understanding as to why persons living in a free country with a democracy defended by the veterans that this cross memorialized, would do such a vile, evil, destructive thing. How could this be considered anything less than a hate crime, and thus punishable more harshly under the Criminal Code of Canada? I hope that police will pursue this option...

RICARDO
said
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These cowards should be sent to Afghanistan on the front line and find out what our SOLDIERS go through during such a mission. I hope these pathetic individuals get caught and pay for their lack of respect towards our SOLDIERS. I wish people would pay total respect to the men and women that fought , fight and will fight for us Canadians. LEST WE FORGET...WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.....

Sean Calder
said
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You know, I too also immediately wondered if it wasn't simply some drunken idiots who did it, but rather some sort of war protesters looking to send a message. In either case, I find the act despicable and cowardly and those who are responsible, if found, should bear the full force of the law for their actions as well as a fully covered and public apology to all of our veterans, the citizens of Fredericton and the rest of Canada as well.

Art
said
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I don't normaly believe in public flogging , however these punks would certainly be candidates !

d.simard
said
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We you find them, just send them to Afganistan on a 6 months tour. Maybe than, they will respect veterans

Vickie
said
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These morons obviously have no sense of being a Canadian, of pride in themselves or country. They should not get a slap on the wrist from this. Since the courts can order them to join the military they should get maximum hours of community service working with the veterans of this country. Serving the Legions, working in the veteran hospital, helping our injured by doing their errands. In addition they should have to pay every penny to have this monument fixed.I know that even though the monument is destroyed it will not stop the Rememberance Day ceremony in Fredericton. I know that the street will be lined with service men and women standing proud alongside the Legion members and veterans of our Country. Just because the monument is destroyed it will not destroy the pride Canadians feel and the support we will show for the former and serving men and women of our military.

ScottS
said
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Yes it was horrible that this happened but it will be repaired. Would be nice if they would put something up that wasn't more representative of a catholic church than lost patriots. I want to add that the entire campaign to belittle people who are iffy about war may play a role here. Stand by your troops and the inflammatory "if you don't stand by them stand in front of them" rhetoric is over the top. This sort of campaigning only isolates individuals and creates targets like this cenotaph. I completly stand by our military past, present and furture but when some one trots out those lines about troops I could spit in their face. Be inclusive not divisive.

Kathleen
said
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We need to make these types of individuals actually pay for their crimes. Make them work hard labour for the actual cost of replacing the statue; make them work in a veterans home so they can get some idea of what life was like on the front lines; make them actually pay! Even if they are caught they'll get something minor like public mischief and vandalism and a slap on the wrist. We need to start making people really accountable for their actions.

Jason B (Calgary)
said
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Public flogging is the only reasonable punishment for an act like this. It borders, in my mind, on treason. Full disclosure of names, even if they are youth. Let them be known and accept the punishment they deserve...the scorn and shame of a community.

Drew from T.O
said
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This is so disgusting! I hope they catch whoever did this and prosecute them to the full extent of the law! Not only that they should have to stand guard over it for at least a year for retribution! This is very sad to think that this is how Canadians or some of them for that matter respect our honored dead!God bless all our fallen! Lest we forget!

Ian Ottawa
said
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All that needs to be said is Cowards did this and our laws don't go far enough if they ever get caught. I wish they could spend a day in the shoes of those that fought for the freedoms they enjoy today. I hope they are proud of themselves for the stupidity they have shown. There is a need for proper punishment for these cowards but those that make the rules only show up at Rememberance Day for Photo Ops. Pretty sad isn't it?

a true patriot
said
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nice...someone should haul them over to Vimy so they can spend some time in the tunnels with only a pail to pee in, no hot food and no beds/blankets...

Com monsense
said
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An old fashioned tar and feathering would be most appropriate for these sick vandals.

Born and Bred Edmontonian
said
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It's sad to hear the "Fredericton Peace Coalition" say that the vandalism of the cenotaph is insignificant compared to the "real crime" of the war in Afghanistan. One would have to wonder if the people responsible for this came from their group.

Tono
said
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Naturally, even though it is a cross that was vandalised, it would be politically incorrect to suggest that it might instead be anti-Christian activity in our own country.

Carol in NB
said
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These vandals are nothing but cowards who don't realize they have what they have because of a soldier. Unfortunately, these 'people' (and I use that term loosely) will only get a slap on the wrist. It's quite obvious they have no morals and they don't care about anything or anybody except their pathetic selves. I guess they got what they wanted...their 15 minutes of fame. They still did not destroy the will of the people and the hope and the thanks that most feel at this time of year....lest we forget...we WILL remember them.

JB in Ontario
said
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That destruction is disgraceful. Only people with no class would do a thing like that, even worse, it happened just before Rememberance Day.If caught, these vandals should go to jail and learn what our Veterans have done for them and our country. Shame on them.