OTTAWA, ON, July 6, 2006 - Cliff Chadderton, Chairman of the 55-member National Council of Veteran Associations, today released a statement concerning the latest developments in the desecration of the National War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This resulted in public debate concerning suitable punishments for the three perpetrators, two of 17 and 18 years of age and one man of 23 years of age.

"We are concerned about two issues. Firstly, if we are too harsh in our punishment we might well make martyrs of those who desecrated the monuments in the disgusting act now known throughout the world during the July 1st celebrations of Canada Day this year," Chadderton stated.

"We must be careful also that the incident does not develop into a 'political football,'" Chadderton said. He noted that he has evidence that this matter was raised with the Liberal Government as early as 2000.

"It was not until the defilement of the War Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier occurred this year that a Government spokesman entered the fray," he stated. In this regard Chadderton was referring to a letter from Mr. David McGuinty, Liberal Member for Ottawa South, proposing to the Prime Minister the passage of a law titled National War Memorial, Tomb and Cemetery Protection Act.

He noted that the only way that this could fail to become a hot political issue would be if the whole matter is studied by the Prime Minister and a referral made to an all-party Parliamentary Committee.

Chadderton stated that among the documents indicating that the issue was brought to the attention of the Liberal Government was a copy of a discussion with Veterans Affairs Minister Rey Pagtakhan of July 2003. The discussion notes are appended hereto:

It is the responsibility of the government to take adequate measures to protect the sanctity of the War Memorial and, now that we have the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the government should review its lack of response to proposals put before the Minister in the nature of a resolution from the National Council of Veteran Associations.

We have voluminous reports regarding misuse of the entire site, including skateboarding, 'wheelies' on bicycles, couples engaged in amorous proceedings, etc.

The War Memorial and Tomb are targets for persons who want to show disdain for our military heritage and for the sacrifice represented by them.

It is suggested that a guard of honour be detailed from the Governor General' s Foot Guards who parade on Parliament Building grounds during daylight hours in the summer months.

In addition, the War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier should be properly lit, with guard bases at the four corners.

In addition, a white chain fence should be erected surrounding the War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Access gates could be installed which could be removed for entrance and exit of the Vice Regal party and others who usually lay wreaths and otherwise pay official respect to the soldiers, sailors, airmen and merchant navy represented by the War Memorial, and particular respect to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.