- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 210
Vandals hit Fan Fest military displays
KELLY PEDRO, Free Press Crime Reporter 2005-05-24 01:55:49
Memorial Cup organizers are beefing up security after vandals painted anti-war slogans early yesterday on two tents and two military vehicles.
Two green tents, an engineering vehicle and a half- track -- a vintage Second World War armoured vehicle -- outside the Covent Garden Market were hit between 4:30 a.m. and 6 a.m.
The vehicles are part of the Canadian Forces' display at Fan Fest, a free series of exhibits, demonstrations and skills competitions outside the market and in its mezzanine.
A private security firm patrols the area overnight and during the day. The plan has been reviewed, said Paul Hardy, Memorial Cup event organizer, and an additional officer will be added.
He called the vandalism unfortunate and said organizers are not happy.
"It's definitely a disappointment, but we also believe it's an isolated incident," he said.
The slogans were washed off early yesterday.
"It was mostly around the Iraq war, which is ironic because we're not part of the Iraq war," said Capt. Alexander Peterson, public affairs officer with 31 Brigade Group stationed at Wolseley Barracks.
He wouldn't go into details about what was written with latex paint.
An employee at Robinson Hall called London police about the vandalism, Const. Jay Cartwright said.
Police were checking downtown cameras yesterday, including one pointed directly over the square outside the market where the display was set up.
"It's pointing in the right direction," Cartwright said.
There are no plans to take down the military display, Peterson said.
The display was part of an effort by Cup organizers to honour veterans.
The theme of the tournament is It's More than a Game . . . Lest We Forget. The Memorial Cup trophy is dedicated to veterans.
Organizers have respected and recognized veterans, Peterson said, adding he didn't want the focus to be a random act he called "minor."
The Canadian Forces were asked to participate in the Cup festivities. Military personnel have escorted the trophy to all events, provided information to the public at the display and performed at Fan Fest in the Army Gun Race.
This is also the year of the veteran in Canada.
"I think there will be some disappointment on everybody's part," Peterson said.
"But thank goodness we live in a society where people can voice their opinions. I just wish it wasn't destructive. It's because of veterans that we have these freedoms."
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/LondonFreePress/News/2005/05/24/1052934-sun.html
:-\ God damn people these days