'It's just disappointing': Outrage erupts after thieves steal treasured memorial statue
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As Australia recently celebrated ANZAC Day, many citizens, especially seniors, paid tribute to the brave men and women who fought for the country.
However, a recent event left many Australians shaking their heads in disbelief and anger.
A soldier statue, seen as a silent tribute to Australia's heroes, has been stolen from the Returned & Services League's (RSL) Eastern Regional Sub Branch in Bassendean, Perth.
The theft, believed to have occurred on ANZAC Day, sparked outrage among veterans and the community alike.
For many, the RSL is more than just a building; it's a place of remembrance, camaraderie, and support for those who have served the country.
The stolen statue was donated years ago by a dedicated member and stood watch over garden beds with poppies.
'It's just disappointing that somebody would go and do that, especially when we are supporting veterans and their welfare and creating a place for veterans to come together,' RSL's Vice President Justin Hughes stated in an interview.
The timing of the theft deepened the sense of betrayal felt by the community.
The statue was a popular feature, as it drew visitors on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.
Its absence was keenly felt, not just by veterans, but by families and schoolchildren who came to learn about Australia's military history and honour those who served.
The RSL appealed to the public for help in tracking down the missing memorial.
'We'd really appreciate it returned, if we can,' Hughes emphasised.
For many veterans and their families, these memorials are sacred.
They represent both Australia's past and the ongoing commitment to remember and support those who have served the country.
Sadly, this was not the first time thieves or vandals have targeted a war memorial.
There have been reports of plaques, statues, and entire monuments being stolen or defaced.
Earlier this year, Statues of former Australian prime ministers were decapitated in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens days before Australia Day.
Days after the said incident, vandals burned the decapitated head of a King George V statue on Australia Day, months after it was beheaded.
The footage, shared on social media, showed it burning on a barbecue with an Australian flag.
In the wake of this theft, the Bassendean RSL has been considering options for protecting the statues.
Some possible solutions include installing security cameras around memorials and RSL buildings, engraving or marking statues with unique identifiers, or community watch programs.
If you have any information about the missing statue, or if you notice suspicious activity around your local memorials, contact your local authorities or your local RSL branch immediately.
If you're passionate about preserving Australia's history, you may volunteer at your local RSL or historical society.
We want to hear from you! Has your community experienced something like this? Do you have ideas for how communities can protect their memorials better? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments section below.
However, a recent event left many Australians shaking their heads in disbelief and anger.
A soldier statue, seen as a silent tribute to Australia's heroes, has been stolen from the Returned & Services League's (RSL) Eastern Regional Sub Branch in Bassendean, Perth.
The theft, believed to have occurred on ANZAC Day, sparked outrage among veterans and the community alike.
For many, the RSL is more than just a building; it's a place of remembrance, camaraderie, and support for those who have served the country.
The stolen statue was donated years ago by a dedicated member and stood watch over garden beds with poppies.
The statue held significance to the community. Image Credit: Facebook/7NEWS Perth
'It's just disappointing that somebody would go and do that, especially when we are supporting veterans and their welfare and creating a place for veterans to come together,' RSL's Vice President Justin Hughes stated in an interview.
The timing of the theft deepened the sense of betrayal felt by the community.
The statue was a popular feature, as it drew visitors on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.
Its absence was keenly felt, not just by veterans, but by families and schoolchildren who came to learn about Australia's military history and honour those who served.
The RSL appealed to the public for help in tracking down the missing memorial.
'We'd really appreciate it returned, if we can,' Hughes emphasised.
For many veterans and their families, these memorials are sacred.
They represent both Australia's past and the ongoing commitment to remember and support those who have served the country.
Sadly, this was not the first time thieves or vandals have targeted a war memorial.
There have been reports of plaques, statues, and entire monuments being stolen or defaced.
Earlier this year, Statues of former Australian prime ministers were decapitated in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens days before Australia Day.
Days after the said incident, vandals burned the decapitated head of a King George V statue on Australia Day, months after it was beheaded.
The footage, shared on social media, showed it burning on a barbecue with an Australian flag.
In the wake of this theft, the Bassendean RSL has been considering options for protecting the statues.
Some possible solutions include installing security cameras around memorials and RSL buildings, engraving or marking statues with unique identifiers, or community watch programs.
If you have any information about the missing statue, or if you notice suspicious activity around your local memorials, contact your local authorities or your local RSL branch immediately.
If you're passionate about preserving Australia's history, you may volunteer at your local RSL or historical society.
