New Hamburg Cenotaph and bridge vandalized by graffiti

The New Hamburg Cenotaph was victimized by graffiti earlier this week as the names of left-wing leaders and groups were written on it with marker. Township staff removed the graffiti using a solution designed to protect the stonework. Facebook photo

By Lee Griffi

“A sad day in New Hamburg.”

That was a consistent message on social media following an act of vandalism in New Hamburg which has officials at the Royal Canadian Legion’s Branch 532 outraged.

"Sometime between Monday evening and early Tuesday morning, someone damaged our cenotaph by using black markers to spread graffiti all over the front and sides,” read a social media post from the Legion.

Names of left-wing figures and organizations were written on the landmark and the Huron Street bridge, including federal NDP Leader Avi Lewis and "DSA," an apparent reference to the Democratic Socialists of America, the largest socialist organization in the United States.

Bob Neubauer is a veteran and the Legion’s Veterans Service Officer. He said the person or people responsible need to be held accountable.

“This is heartbreaking to see such damage to such a significant memorial in a town like New Hamburg. Parents should be checking the pockets of their kids and asking some serious questions if they find markers or spray cans – if they are ever found.”

Neubauer added he can’t say enough about how quickly Wilmot Township staff reacted to clean up the graffiti.

“I had just heard about it, hopped in my van and they were there working on it. They were two young guys, Jake and Cody, and they were distraught someone would do something like this to a cenotaph. They’re young fellas, and it was heartening to hear their dismay. They worked hard at it and got it all cleaned up as best they could.”

He added despite the senseless act of vandalism, New Hamburg is an incredible community showing its love and support for the Legion.

“I have lived in a lot of towns and have seen how they react to things like this and the reaction here is pretty positive to me. It’s a downright shame some moron stooped to this level. You just don’t do this stuff in Canada. It’s just not right.”

He added since moving to the community 25 years ago, he’s never seen anything like this happen.

“I really never thought I would. But it’s maybe one or two individuals responsible for it and don’t know any better.”

Wilmot mayor Natasha Salonen provided a statement to the Gazette and said the incident is completely unacceptable.

“This monument exists to honour the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country and to ensure their service is never forgotten. Defacing it is not simply damage to public property; it is damage to a place of remembrance that holds deep significance for many in our community.”

She also thanked township staff who responded quickly and have been working diligently to restore the site, as well as the Waterloo Regional Police Service, which has been notified and is investigating.

“If anyone has information that could assist the investigation, I encourage them to contact Waterloo Regional Police. Even the smallest detail could make a difference,” said Salonen. “The freedoms we enjoy today were secured through the sacrifices of those whose names are remembered at this monument. We all share a responsibility to care for the places that preserve our community’s history and honour those who came before us.”

Coun. Lillianne Dunstall took to Facebook to voice her displeasure.

“I received an email from a concerned citizen early this morning with pictures of our cenotaph in New Hamburg being defaced. I immediately contacted the township, and before I had even hung up the phone, someone was in their vehicle on their way there. Township of Wilmot, thank you for such a quick response. To the cowards that decided to do such a despicable thing, get help. You need it.”

The New Hamburg Legion is extremely active in the community and currently has a roster of 300 members, up from 240 just a few years ago.