The damanged sandstone monument at Cleveland, Brisbane. Courtesy of Loraine Edwards
Police are appealing for information after the destruction of a war memorial to the east of Brisbane in the lead-up to Remembrance Day.
“What’s happened here is a disgraceful and cowardly act of disrespect,” he told reporters.
“This isn’t just property damage, it is a direct insult to those who have served and continue to serve our country.
“There is absolutely no place for this behaviour in our community.”
The damaged 1920 Cleveland War Memorial in the Redlands, east of Brisbane, Australia. Courtesy of local resident Loraine Edwards
On Nov. 11, Australians will commemorate Remembrance Day dedicated to the memory of soldiers and animals that have served in the armed forces.
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“I want to assure the community we are taking this matter very seriously, and we are working to identify who is responsible,” Act. Supt. Kent said.
Kent is calling for witnesses to come forward to report any suspicious behaviour, or who may have relevant CCTV footage.
“This is a very emotive crime for the community Because it really goes towards who we are as people in Australia, and that we care about our veterans immensely, and we will remember them this Wednesday,” he said.
In response, federal Liberal MP Henry Pike called the attack “absolutely disgraceful.”
“Built in 1920, this memorial has stood for more than a century as a tribute to local who served our nation, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“I’ve spoken with the local RSL sub branch president this morning, who told me there were veterans in tears at the sight of the damage. It’s heartbreaking, and entirely senseless.”
Pike is calling for support for his Australian National Symbols and Heritage Protection Bill, which would introduce specific Commonwealth offences for deliberately damaging or desecrating war memorials.
The incident comes after two more attacks were reported in Queensland over the weekend, both in the Wide Bay region, around four hours’ north of Brisbane.
In one, an alleged culprit drove into the flag pole at Freedom Park near the coastal town of Hervey Bay. The pole was left leaning on a slant.
The Moore Park Beach ANZAC Memorial Park, near Bundaberg, suffered damage after a vehicle was driven onto the grounds, knocking over a wooden paling and memorial planters.
“Investigations are ongoing, anyone with information or relevant vision from the area at the time is urged to contact police,” said Queensland Police who reported a car driving dangerously in the vicinity of Park Drive in Moore Park Beach on Nov. 8.
