Plans desecrate war memorial

This council’s plan for our Memorial Park would see them effectively desecrate our town’s War Memorial.

Not only did they suggest tearing down one of the three bridges erected to recognise the service of each branch of our Armed Forces (Navy, Army, and Air Force), but they currently intend to demolish the Peace Fountain as well.

This year marks 75 years since the end of WWII and the immense sacrifice that was made to secure our freedom, so we should be erecting more monuments to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, not allowing council to desecrate existing ones. Far from tearing down chunks of the memorial, Council should be restoring it and including new pieces to recognise the service of those who have fought for our country in the years since.

Another whose service goes unrecognised by our council is Her Majesty The Queen, who 67 years ago visited Te Awamutu.

The whole town gathered in the streets, bunting was strung from every possible place, and Her Majesty spoke from a platform on Arawata St. This was the first visit of a reigning monarch to our shores.

There is no plaque or monument on the site, but in recognition of her immense service to this country, the Commonwealth, and the fact that she is now our longest-reigning Monarch, we should most certainly erect a statue of Her Majesty on that very site.

This council has neglected to preserve many aspects of our history, be it the Memorial Park (which is a shadow of its former self), or the fact that few people know that our region has been honoured with countless Royal Visits over the past 120 years.

We must honour all who have served our country, both the men and women who have given their lives for freedom, and our steadfast monarch who has provided stability through many turbulent times during her long reign. Luke East