Readers praise Sam for war memorials efforts
HE HAS BEEN RAISING MONEY FOR REPAIRS TO DAMAGE ACROSS UK
A MAN who launched a fund to help clean up memorials after being upset by scenes across the country of statues being vandalised during some Black Lives Matter protests has been praised.
Sam Hutchison, 31, even stood guard next to Burton’s war memorial when a Black
Lives Matter rally was held in the town, although Burton’s march and a separate protest passed off peacefully. Mr Hutchison has also praised those who took part for their respectful behaviour.
However, in some parts of the country, including London, there were issues with some statues being covered in graffiti, including that of wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill. It came after criticism of some of Churchill’s views on race.
Mr Hutchison, who works at Swadlincote’s Odeon cinema, wanted to raise money to put towards any clean-up operations after watching scenes elsewhere. He said he was moved to help if any memorials were vandalised because his grandmother lost her entire family during a German bombing raid. His nan was saved by a British soldier as a young girl, being plucked from the ruins of their home in Southampton. Mr Hutchison stood by the war memorial outside Burton and South Derbyshire College, along with friends, on Saturday, June 6, during the march, which was attended by a large crowd, but there was no trouble.
He set up a Justgiving fundraising page to raise money for the War Memorials Trust and has now collected more than £300 towards a target of £1,000. Since Mr Hutchison spoke to the Burton Mail he has been inundated with praise from readers.
He said: “I wasn’t expecting [all the praise] and to see all the comments was lovely. A lot of people jumped in to donate and within 24 hours I’d gone from £25 to £200.
“I have contacted the War Memorials Trust to tell them what I have been doing and they are well chuffed with it. They said it was really nice.”
On the Burton Live website, Autumn36 wrote: “Good man. Why anyone would target war memorials is beyond me.
“Same for targeting statues of those involved in historic wars, makes no sense.
“Statues such as Colston perhaps makes more sense as, yes, he did a lot for Bristol but the money was made from slavery, although that should’ve got properly removed not hauled down.”
Purplebird87 wrote: “Bless you duck. Love the story about your nan, it’s history like it or not.”
Zeniith wrote: “We need more people like Sam.”
v123 said: “Proud of you, especially turning up to protect the memorial from any vandalism. Well done.”
On the Burton Mail’s Facebook page, James Else said: “There’s decent people like this.”
Valerie Peeler said: “Well done young man.”
And Lee8585 said: “Good on him.
Thank you for doing this, Sam.”
Mr Hutchison said he wanted to fund-raise for the War Memorials Trust because felt he owes his life to soldiers who fought the threat of the Nazis during the Second World War.
Anyone who would like to Sam’s War Memorial Trust page can do so by visiting www.gofundme.com
Black Lives Matter protests have taken place around the world after outrage at the death of George Floyd while he was being arrested in America.
There has also been anger that statues still remain of famous people who had links to the slave trade and had racist views.
Mr Floyd, 46, died in Minneapolis on Monday, May 25, as a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while arresting him.
A viral video showing the incident led to widespread civil unrest in America and in other parts of the world, sparking protests against racism across the globe.
Police officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. He has also been dismissed from the police force.
Proud of you, especially turning up to protect the memorial from any vandalism. Well done
Reader ‘v123’