WAGGA’S RSL sub-branch has met with city council staff to find ways of clawing back public respect for war monuments in the Victory Memorial Gardens.
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Sub-branch members were horrified in September when they saw children’s chalk drawings around the Cenotaph during a spring street festival in the gardens.
At other times, they have seen people rest plates of food on the Cenotaph and last year were upset when cyclists leaned their bikes against the honour roll around the nearby eternal flame.
Sub-branch president, Kevin Kerr, said on Friday many people did not realise the spirituality of the monuments, particularly the Cenotaph.
“They can’t get it into their heads it is a memorial to the war dead,” Mr Kerr said.
“We are trying to say just respect our memorials; enjoy yourselves but don’t disrespect these places that are considered sacred.”
Mr Kerr said he following the meeting with council he was confident staff charged with assessing applications to use the Victory Memorial Gardens for public events would attach conditions protecting the sanctity of monuments.
“They will keep us informed,” Mr Kerr said.
Enjoy yourselves but don’t disrespect these places that are considered sacred
- Kevin Kerr