‘Despicable act’ as poppy wreaths stolen from cenotaph

THE local branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) has condemned the removal of poppy wreaths from the cenotaph in Strabane.

Taking place at some stage during last weekend, the theft has been described as a “despicable act,” and the incident has been reported to police.

The burning of poppy wreaths at a recent bonfire in Derry’s Bogside on Sunday evening was also condemned, however it has since been claimed that wreaths were removed before the fire was lit.

“On behalf of the Royal British Legion Strabane Branch it saddens me deeply to learn that even in today’s society of 2021 the theft and burning of poppy wreaths remains a common occurrence,” RBL chairman in Strabane, Ivan Buchanan stated.

“In recent days poppy wreaths and floral tributes, laid to commemorate all of the fallen on this island both north and south, have been removed from the local cenotaph on Derry Road in Strabane.

“This is a despicable act and extremely hurtful to all who pay their respects there.

“The PSNI have been informed and have stated they are currently in the process of an evidence gathering operation into this unauthorised removal.”

He continued, “Over the weekend, you, like myself and the members of Strabane Branch RBL will have witnessed poppy wreaths being placed on and burned in bonfires within our council area. These are disgraceful and thoughtless acts and are not representative of the majority of our society but instead represent an insignificant, susceptible and ill-informed segment of society cajoled by shadowy figures intent on dragging the next generation into the past.

“We must all garner the confidence to challenge, dissuade and educate the next generation that this is wrong and wholly unacceptable.”

However as regarding the wreaths being burned, Strabane councillor and chair of council’s Bonfire Committee, Paul Gallagher claims this did not happen. He says the wreaths and a banner bearing the name of murdered police officer, Ronan Kerr were taken down before the Bogside fire was set alight.

Mr Gallagher said, “The young people who built the bonfire removed the banners and wreaths themselves after community workers pointed out how offensive they were. The community workers have been working very much behind the scenes and they engaged with the young people on Sunday.

“There has been a lot of condemnation of the bonfire by people who may not have been aware of this development. Young people engaged in dialogue and took the decision to remove the banners when it was pointed out to them and I think that is progress and augurs well for the future. I would ask those who are condemning them outright to take stock of that.”