Lewis condemns “uneducated, sectarian idiots” behind vandalism at Castlewellan War Memorial

Newry, Mourne and Down DUP Councillor Alan Lewis has condemned what he described as an “appalling act of uneducated vandalism” after a poppy box was overturned and damaged and remembrance wreaths trampled on at Castlewellan War Memorial.

Cllr Lewis said:

“I was contacted this afternoon by a local resident who discovered the damage at the War Memorial.

“What sort of uneducated, sectarian idiots think this sort of behaviour is acceptable?

“These individuals clearly neither recognise nor understand the sacrifices made by those who fought and died, men and women from both traditions, of all religions and creeds, who stood shoulder to shoulder through two World Wars.

“Catholics and Protestants, unionists and nationalists, served and died together. Their sacrifice deserves respect, regardless of anyone’s political or religious beliefs.

“Castlewellan is a town where sectarian intimidation, hatred and division have played a significant role over many years. Its people know only too well the damage that such attitudes can cause, and the last thing this town needs is another generation determined to perpetuate that bitterness.

“To deliberately damage a place of remembrance, particularly just days after Remembrance Sunday, demonstrates a staggering level of ignorance.

“I want to commend the local resident who took the time to repair the damage and return the poppy box to its rightful place.

“Those responsible should hang their heads in shame. These memorials commemorate ordinary men and women who made extraordinary sacrifices, many of whom never returned to their families.

“You can overturn a poppy box, damage wreaths and desecrate a memorial, but you will never erase the sacrifice of those whose names are engraved upon it.

“This is not some political statement. It is uneducated, sectarian vandalism, plain and simple.”