Canadian National Vimy Memorial vandalized with graffiti
CTV
Canada's Veterans Affairs minister is condemning vandalism to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France.
Canada's Veterans Affairs minister is condemning vandalism to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France.
In a statement, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, who is also the Associate Minister of National Defence, said she was "appalled" to hear of the vandalism.
"As all Canadians know, this is a sacred place commemorating the sacrifice of the 60,000 Canadians who gave their lives in order to protect the freedoms of the citizens of France and Belgium over 100 years ago during the First World War," she said. "The memorial bears the names of those who died in France with no known grave and stands as a tribute to all Canadians who served during the First World War. It should inspire us to work toward lasting peace, for which those commemorated here gave their lives."
The graffiti appeared on the memorial Tuesday, according to French local media.
Petitpas Taylor said the Canadian government is working with French authorities to aid in the investigation and find the person responsible.
"VAC officials are currently working with colleagues at Public Services and Procurement Canada and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to ensure that the graffiti is removed as soon as possible," Petitpas Taylor said.
The Vimy Foundation said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that it was "deeply disheartened" to learn about the vandalism.
