Key takeaways:
- The fencing surrounding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the National War Memorial was omitted by a group of people.
- The removal of the fencing is “deeply disturbing” to the Royal Canadian Legion, according to the Royal Canadian Legion.
As the protest against COVID-19 mandates in downtown Ottawa continued Saturday afternoon, a group of people excluded the fencing surrounding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the National War Memorial.
Since Jan. 30, security fences have surrounded the memorial following several incidents during the “Freedom Convoy” demonstration’s opening weekend. At the time, a video on social media showed a person dancing on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
A group of protesters began tearing down the fencing all around the war memorial shortly after 1 p.m. According to CTV News reporter Mackenzie Gray, people in the group popped up to be veterans.
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On Twitter, Gray said, “They were called up to the front to stand right at the front of the monument.”
“They then did a prayer, in which they called on the prime minister, among other things, to repeal vaccine mandates,” Gray reported.
Several police officers stood on Elgin Street near the National War Memorial as the fencing came down.
“What happened is significant because it sends a message that you can’t just muzzle us, you can’t put a disguise over our face, you can’t keep us away from this,” said retired Maj. Harold Ristau, Canadian Armed Forces chaplain.
“That’s not a hill to die on if the fence goes up.”
Demonstrators believe that the National War Memorial should be open to the public.
“That’s mine, and it’s all veteran knowledge. Here, we’re on the same page, “Ristau stated.
According to CTV News Ottawa reporter Colton Praill, Ottawa police are unlikely to reinstall the fence until it is considered safe.
According to the Royal Canadian Legion, the removal of the fencing is “deeply disturbing,” according to the Royal Canadian Legion.
In a statement, the Legion said, “The National War Memorial is a place of collective remembrance and must be treated with the utmost respect at all times.”
“The removal of protective barricades, as well as the reported inaction of those in charge of protecting the memorial, is deeply concerning. This site must not be desecrated any further. Those who have given so much for our freedoms are deserving of more.”
The removal of the fences was deemed “completely unacceptable” by Minister of Veterans Affairs Lawrence MacAulay.
“Fences surrounded our sacred monuments to prevent flagrant desecration and disrespect. This behavior is disappointing, and I urge protesters to treat our monuments with respect, “On Twitter, MacAulay stated.
After the defacement of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Jan. 29, Ottawa police are still looking for a suspect. Someone standing on the monument, shouting “freedom,” was captured on video and shared on social media.
The video of people dancing on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during a protest against COVID-19 vaccine mandates as well as other public health measures “sickened” Canada’s chief of defense staff.
“It sickens me to see protesters dance on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as desecrate the National War Memorial,” tweeted Gen.
Wayne Eyre on Jan. 29. “Canadians have fought and passed away for our rights, including free speech, for generations, but not for this. Those who were involved should be ashamed of themselves.”
Source: CTV News
