UPDATE: Two men have just admitted to recklessly damaging Sydney’s Anzac Memorial by pouring olive oil on it in a shocking act that occurred in broad daylight on September 4. Abel Clark and Peter McMaster, both aged 61, appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday where they pleaded guilty to the charges, igniting outrage among veterans and the public alike.
The pair, who identify as born-again Christians, claimed their actions were intended as a “blessing” and a show of respect for veterans. However, their actions have sparked significant backlash. Clark stated, “We might have got out of hand a little bit, a bit careless, and we apologize for that,” during a Friday interview with Nine News. Yet, he maintained that their intentions were honorable, reflecting on his grandfather’s service in World War II.
NSW Veterans Minister David Harris condemned the act, stating, “Any harm to this sacred memorial is an affront to the values it represents and the memory of those it honours.” Harris emphasized that the memories of those who served should be respected, not desecrated.
In response to this incident, the NSW Government is moving quickly to introduce new legislation aimed at bolstering protections for the Anzac Memorial. This follows previous measures that increased penalties for defacing war memorials. Under the new laws, maximum penalties for such offenses will rise from five to seven years in prison, and riding scooters or skateboards around the memorial will also become an offense.
The two men are scheduled to return to court on October 29. Their actions, captured on CCTV, have raised serious concerns about public respect for memorials dedicated to those who served in the armed forces. The community response has been overwhelmingly negative, with many calling for higher accountability for vandalism against sacred sites.
As this story develops, it underscores the urgent need for discussions around the protection of war memorials across Australia. The emotional impact of such acts on veterans and their families is profound, and many are now questioning the integrity of memorials dedicated to those who sacrificed for their country.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
