Canada’s chief of defence staff says he is "sickened" to see a video of people dancing on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the "Freedom Convoy" protest in downtown Ottawa.
One video on Twitter showed an individual jumping on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial, yelling, "Freedom." The incident was filmed as thousands of people gathered in downtown Ottawa to protest COVID-19 vaccine mandates and other public healtxjmtzywh restrictions.
After explaining to these less than fine Canadians of the hallowed grounds upon which they trode, this was their reaction in the name of Freedom. Unsat! pic.twitter.com/Mk7VVLsfxo
— Steven Thornton (@S_Thornton_332) January 29, 2022
"I am sickened to see protesters dance on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and desecrate the National War Memorial," said Gen. Wayne Eyre in a message on Twitter. "Generations of Canadians have fought and died for our rights, including free speech, but not this. Those involved should hang their heads in shame."
Minister of Defence Anita Anand called some of the behaviour at the National War Memorial, "beyond reprehensible."
"The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and National War Memorial are sacred sites for our country. I urge all Canadians to treat them with solemnity, out of respect for those who have fought and died for Canada," said Anand on Twitter.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and National War Memorial are sacred sites for our country. I urge all Canadians to treat them with solemnity, out of respect for those who have fought and died for Canada.
The behaviour we’re seeing today is beyond reprehensible. https://t.co/g36RqNZzp7
— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) January 29, 2022
Early Saturday morning, several vehicles were parked at the National War Memorial before being moved by Ottawa police.
"Several vehicles parked at the National War Memorial this morning and were immediately towed," said police in a statement. "Cars are not allowed to park and people will not be allowed to desecrate the Memorial."
Down Wellington Street, someone placed an upside-down Canada flag on the statue of Terry Fox.
“I thought it was reprehensible that people were people putting anti-mask signs and upside down Canadian flags at the Terry Fox statue," said Mayor Jim Watson during an interview on CTV News Channel.
"We have video of people dancing on a grave of the Unknown Soldier; we had to tow people away who were parked at the National War Monument. This kind of behaviour sets back any positive movements or support that this rally might have."
