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War memorial vandalism is appalling, reader says

As a former resident of Coniston, I was shocked and appalled at the vandalism desecrating the Coniston War Memorial.
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Vandals damaged the war memorial in Coniston over the weekend, mere weeks before a dedication ceremony is due to be held for the structure. Photos supplied.
As a former resident of Coniston, I was shocked and appalled at the vandalism desecrating the Coniston War Memorial.

It is obvious that these irresponsible individuals fail to realize what Canadian citizens encountered during the Second World War or even the First World War.

I remember, with great clarity, that sombre evening in 1945, when a close friend brought to our home a telegram declaring her son was lost in battle.

Who can forget the scroll, on display in our Coniston High School, with the names of all the students that never returned.

I was always bewildered at the two plaques listing the men that were killed in both the First World War and the Second World War. A high percentage of citizens from a town, at that time, of only 2,000.

I also remember that day when the sky was full of planes flying overhead and everyone out on the streets of Coniston in a very joyous mood.

Today I now realize that it was V-E Day!

My wife and I never miss attending the Remembrance Day Service on Nov. 11, and we always attend the V-E Day dinner at Branch 76.

We cannot forget the sacrifices our men and women made in the past 100 years. They made the ultimate sacrifice for the democracy we cherish today.

Tony Sottile
Sudbury