Outrage at Poppy Bugler vandalism

At the launch of Lisburns Royal British Legion poppy appeal on Saturday 2nd November are L to R: Jackie McCartney (President of Lisburn Branch of the Royal British Legion), Anne Hood (President of the Womens Section of the Lisburn Branch of the Royal British Legion), Councillor Margaret Tolerton (Mayor of Lisburn), Major John Jamieson TD (Chairman of Lisburn Branch of the Royal British Legion) and Ivan McCammon (Poppy Appeal Organiser).

Vandals attacked the life size artwork during the early hours of Sunday (November 10) just hours before veterans, dignitaries and members of the public gathered to pay their respects to those who had fought and died during two world wars and numerous conflicts since. The bugle, which is ‘held’ by the statue, was stolen during the attack and it has also been claimed that vandals urinated on the memorial.

The Chairman of the Royal British Legion branch in Lisburn, Retired Major John Jamieson, condemned the attack. “This was a premeditated act, it wasn’t just a joke,” he said. “The men and women whose names are on the memorial fought and died for this country and they fought and died for the freedom these thugs enjoy today. It is totally disrespectful.”

A woman, whose has a family member named on the war memorial said she was outraged when she heard what had happened. “That anyone could carry out an act like this on the eve of Remembrance Sunday is disgusting,” she said. “My great, great uncle gave his life so that we can live in a better world today and he, along with all the other named, deserve our respect. Whoever did this should hang their heads in shame.”