Attacks on War Memorial in Strabane
Two consecutive attacks on a war memorial located on the Derry Road in Strabane, County Tyrone, have been described as "sad and upsetting" by Derick Donnell, the local chairman of the Royal British Legion (RBL).
On Monday, an offensive sectarian term was painted on the monument, an act that police are investigating as a sectarian hate crime. The graffiti was promptly removed by staff from Derry City and Strabane District Council, but the same offensive markings reappeared on the memorial the following day, Tuesday.
Local RBL Chairman Responds
Derick Donnell expressed his dismay over the incidents, stating that the memorial had been "desecrated" and described the attacks as "very disappointing."
"Vandalising the memorial is akin to desecrating a family grave,"
he said, emphasizing the significance of the monument. Donnell further explained that the memorial was erected to honor men from the local community, representing both sides, who served in the war.
"People do not seem to be educated about the memorial. It was erected in memory of men from the local community, from both sides of the community, who went to war,"
he told NI.
Donnell expressed difficulty in understanding why the memorial, which had not previously been targeted in such a manner, became the focus of attacks on consecutive days.
"Wreaths had been removed in previous years from the memorial, but now this has gone to a higher level. For what reason I do not know,"
he added.
The RBL chairman also indicated the organization's willingness to engage in dialogue with anyone in Strabane who has concerns regarding the memorial.
"The RBL would be happy to talk to anyone in Strabane who has a problem with the memorial,"
Police and Council Reactions
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that Monday's incident is being treated as a sectarian motivated hate crime. However, they noted that no report was received concerning the Tuesday incident.
At a council meeting on Wednesday, DUP member Keith Kerrigan expressed disappointment over the graffiti, especially given ongoing efforts to promote the town.
"The graffiti was disappointing, especially when efforts were being made to promote the town,"
He also mentioned that the same graffiti had appeared in other areas of Strabane.
Sinn Féin councillor Paul Boggs addressed the meeting as well, acknowledging the contested history but emphasizing the importance of moving forward.
"While there may be a contested past we can't allow there to be a contested future, and I do find it deeply regrettable that somebody would target the memorial on the Derry Road,"
he stated.
