A Canadian war memorial in Cranbrook, B.C. was vandalized this week with a message promoting the COVID-19 vaccine. The memorial was defaced just ahead of Remembrance Day, a Canadian holiday celebrating the nation’s veterans.
“The real heroes are the vaccinated,” read the graffiti, which was sprayed across the memorial with green paint.
After discovering the graffiti in Cranbrook, British Columbia, city workers, firefighters and police jumped into action to clean the vandalism up before the city’s Remembrance Day parade and ceremony, Global News reported.
The City of Cranbrook said in a statement posted on Facebook that it was “beyond disappointed by the disrespectful actions” of those who vandalized the memorial.
“As a community, we are beyond disappointed by the disrespectful actions of those responsible for defacing such an important monument on such an important day for all Canadians. This act does not speak to the character and values of our citizens and our community,” the city said.
“We are grateful to the member of the community that alerted us of the vandalism early this morning,” the statement continued. “We are extremely proud of our staff, RCMP and Fire Services members who were able to quickly remove the graffiti and allow for the Remembrance Day ceremonies to go on, and remain focused on honouring all our veterans, past and present for their selfless sacrifice.”
The city asked that those with information on the vandalism to contact the Cranbrook RCMP at 250-489-3471.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Cranbrook said the agency is investigating the incident.
Despite the pro-vaccine disruption, the city was able to recognize Remembrance Day in honor of Canadian veterans.
“Our offices are closed today for Remembrance Day. Please take a few minutes at 11am – wherever you may be – to pause and remember those who fought and died for us, and those who continue to serve us today. Lest We Forget. #Cranbrook #RemembranceDay2021,” the city wrote in a separate post.
In October, the Coast Guard Monument at the Veterans Tribute of Oakland Township in Michigan was vandalized.
A $50,000 glass panel was shattered, deputies said. A large stone, which was presumably thrown at the panel, was found about 20 feet down the hill from the memorial.
“We shouldn’t have to guard our own statuses and our own things that we basically feel that are sacred to us and when we want to honor people,” said local resident Joe Mooney, according to ClickOnDetroit.
