It’s a monument that signifies bravery and freedom.
But Saturday night that seemed to have been forgotten as the Regina Cenotaph in Victoria Park was vandalized.
Amongst other graffiti, the word “free” is spelt out in red spray paint at the bottom of the landmark.
Ron Hitchcock is the vice-president of the Regina branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. He said this is the ultimate sign of disrespect towards Canada.
“I was absolutely disgusted that someone could deface a monument that was in memory and dedicated to those who fought for the freedom we have today,” he said.
Hitchcock added that he doesn’t understand how people could do such an act — especially since most every Canadian is related to someone who fought for the country somewhere down the line.
The Regina Cenotaph honours the nation’s military, including those who fought in World War I and World War II, as well as the Korean War.
As a monument that hundreds surround during annual ceremonies in the city, such as Remembrance Day, Hitchcock said he’s still in disbelief.
“It’s just appalling to see that someone with total disregard and disrespect for veterans and citizens is out there, and could do something like that,” he said.
Hitchcock told 980 CJME the Legion will be contacting the city to clean up the graffiti, and he believed it might have to be repainted.
He also urged anyone with information on this incident to contact Regina police.