‘Disrespecting those who’ve died’
RESIDENTS are in “horror” following the graffiti of a war memorial in Rochdale.
Pro-palestine protestors graffitied the Cenotaph in Rochdale in an “appalling” attack on Tuesday (7 November) which is being investigated “as a matter of urgency”, says Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.
The words “free Palestine” – see inset –have since been washed from the Rochdale monument with Greater Manchester Police’s Rochdale division saying it was a “return to normality”, but reactions from locals remain as strong as ever.
As she passed the Cenotaph, Susan stopped to take in the scene.
The 75-year-old said: “It’s shocking. My initial reaction was horror - it saddens you right through.
“It’s disrespecting those who have died. It’s sacred to us and to our grandfathers who died for us all.
“They shouldn’t be attacking that. I think it’s cowardly.”
Choking up, she added: “Leave our cenotaph alone – it’s our heritage.”
In response, GMP has placed Police Community Support Officers at the scene, intending to put lasting measures in place to protect the memorial.
As the officers stood in front of the Cenotaph, Adeel said: “My heart bleeds for Palestine but I’m not a supporter of that [vandalism].
“What matters is the lives that have been lost there and the focus should be on, nothing else.
“I can see the pain of people acting out because of that.”
This follows a similar incident on Monday (November 6) in which two teenagers have been arrested and charged in connection.
But an investigation into the vandalising of the town’s cenotaph on Tuesday is ongoing.
Vicky was passing and said: “I think it’s really sad but I also understand the frustration from the community. I have similar feelings that remembrance means ‘end of war’ not just for British soldiers but for anyone who is suffering from war out there.
“It’s quite a bit of hypocrisy that we stand there in remembrance and remember people who have died in war but not ignoring the fact there is a war not just in Palestine but many places across the world.
“People throughout history haven’t achieved change through doing it quietly. The suffragettes had to starve themselves and vandalise to get attention.
“There’s the saying ‘lest we forget, never again’ it seems we’ve forgotten the ‘never again’ - but I understand people may not agree.
“I think on a weekend remembering people who have died in war it’s important to look at what’s currently happening and be careful not to make the same mistakes again.”
The Rochdale memorial was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who also designed the Cenotaph on Whitehall, which is the site of the National Service of Remembrance every November.
Another passer-by, John, said: “The question is - what is the line?
“In this country we fought for democracy and it allows us to express different opinions from going on marches - and when it becomes violent like vandalism or breaking things that’s something different. There are other ways this can be expressed.”
Judith agreed and added: “Vandalism doesn’t make a point.
“Whoever you’re agreeing with or what you think – inflicting damage to something doesn’t make it better or add a point.”
Although two people have been charged in connection with Monday’s incident, the investigation into the vandalism that took place on Tuesday is ongoing.
A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council said: “On the afternoon of Tuesday 7 November graffiti was sprayed on the Cenotaph. This is totally unacceptable and is also being investigated by police.
They continued: “We are proud of our strong links with our armed forces community.
“Our war memorials and monuments are incredibly important and should be respected by everyone at all times.” ●●ANYONE with information about Tuesday’s incident in Rochdale is asked to contact GMP quoting 1294 07/11/23 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
‘Vandalism doesn’t make a point. Whoever you’re agreeing with or what you think – inflicting damage to something doesn’t make it better or add a point’ PASSER-BY JUDITH