Cenotaph damage might not be vandalism: police

Damage at the provincial cenotaph in Fredericton might not have been the work of vandals as initially thought, police say.

It's possible the three-metregranite cross atop the monument fell over on its own because of structural flaws, said Const. Ralph Currie.

"As in all investigations, they look for physical evidence that may have been left at the scene, whether that be foot impressions, tire impressions or whatever. And it's my understanding that none of that has been found," Currie said.

There weren't any obvious tool marks or evidence that the crosswas pulled over by a vehicle, either.

Police are now bringing in engineers and monument experts to determine whether structural flaws were to blame, Currie said.

'So, the investigation is ongoing, but is there a possibility it may have fallen over naturally? Absolutely."' Const. Ralph Currie, Fredericton police

The cross was found smashed into pieces at the bottom of the monument on Nov. 9,two days before Remembrance Day. A second monument was shifted several centimetresoff its base.

The apparent acts of vandalism sparked national outrage and anoutpouring of support for Branch 4 of the Royal Canadian Legion.

There was also a large, possibly record-breaking turnout for the Remembrance Day ceremonies at the cenotaph.

"It just takes a bit of the pain away, if it wasn't vandalism," said Jim Little, general manager of Branch 4. "It just takes some of the pain away, I guess."

Possible explanations

Concern was raised a couple of years ago that the cross was moving, Currie said. A steel post was put through the stem of the cross, but it's possible it might have come loose.

As for the second monument, witnesses have suggested it was bumped by a lawnmower earlier this summer, said Currie. Police aren't ruling anything out.

"It's not for police to believe one or the other," Currie said.

"The damage was timely in the area of Remembrance Day, and expectedly, there would have been a lot of public reaction a very deplorable crime in the eyes of everyone, most certainly if that had of occurred as a result of criminal activity.

"So, the investigation is ongoing, but is there a possibility it may have fallen over naturally? Absolutely."

The legion has met with the mayor of Fredericton about forming a group to repair the cenotaph with a cross that will be secure against all perils, the general manager said.

TD Bank Financial Group has offered to put $25,000 into restoring the provincial war memorial. Former New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna is the deputy chairman of the financial institution.

Fredericton Conservative MP Keith Ashfield has said Ottawa will also contribute money to the cause.

In addition, a support group was created on the social networking site Facebook to collect donations, and the local legion was swamped with calls and emails from people across the country offering to help.