'Mindless vandalism' as St George's flag appears on war memorial
The leader of Cornwall Council has slammed those responsible for painting the St George’s cross on a war memorial in Bodmin
The leader of Cornwall Council has slammed those responsible for painting the St George’s cross on a war memorial in Bodmin.
This summer has seen thousands of St George’s flags painted on roundabouts and hung from lamp-posts across the country, though Cornwall has largely escaped the trend. Supporters say the flags are an expression of English pride. However, others feel the display of the cross, which is commonly identified as the flag of England, is inflammatory as tensions rise across the country over immigration.
St George’s crosses have been painted across roundabouts in Wadebridge and Helston over the weekend and now St Lawrence’s Clock Tower in Bodmin, which is part of the town’s war memorial, has been defaced. Cornwall Council’s Liberal Democrat leader Leigh Frost – who lives near the clock – has taken to social media to rebuke those responsible.
He said: “This isn’t my flag. I am a proud Cornishman, but I have no problem with anyone being proud of theirs. Pride in your identity, your heritage and your flag is something to be celebrated. But this isn’t pride. This is mindless vandalism.
“The white clock on St Lawrence’s is part of a war memorial. It honours those who gave their lives so that we could live in freedom today. Defacing it is not only disrespectful to our town, it is an insult to the memory of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“And now, because of this thoughtless act, Bodmin Town Council will have to spend money restoring it, money that comes from all of us as taxpayers, and which would be far better spent on services for our community. We can and should be proud of who we are. But let us show that pride through respect, remembrance and community, not through acts that dishonour those who came before us.”
Comments on his post include:
“Thank you for your clear and measured words Leigh. So hard to understand how the incitement to hatred and prejudice takes hold when it is so clearly underpinned with nothing but lies and obfuscation.”
“I’ve no words!! The mind boggles sometimes.”
“So incredibly disrespectful isn’t it. Couldn’t believe it when I saw it this morning.”
“Who sells red spray paint locally? Might be an idea to speak with retailers, so we can see who these morons are.”
“I agree with you here; this is in poor taste. However, comments people are making about the flag representing fascism are outrageous.”
“If you feel the need to fly a flag on your property then that’s up to you to show your patriotism but do not vandalise war memorials – that is disrespectful. Whoever has done this needs to come back and clean it off and pay to get it repainted. War memorials are sacred.”