Key Takeaways:
- Thieves have stolen burial plaques from the graves of soldiers at St Johns Cemetery in Invercargill, New Zealand.
- The stolen plaques belonged to World War One and Two veterans, as well as those who served in the Korean War.
- The theft is believed to have occurred between October 28 and November 22.
- The Awarua RSA president, Ian Becker, is urging the thieves to return the plaques, which hold significant sentimental value to the families and community.
- The police are investigating the theft and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.
Introduction to the Theft
The recent theft of burial plaques from St Johns Cemetery in Invercargill has sparked outrage and sadness in the community. The plaques, which marked the graves of soldiers who served in World War One, World War Two, and the Korean War, were stolen sometime between October 28 and November 22. The theft has been condemned by the Awarua RSA president, Ian Becker, who has expressed his disgust and frustration at the lack of respect shown by the thieves.
The Significance of the Plaques
The stolen plaques are not just any ordinary objects, but hold significant sentimental value to the families and community. They were issued by Veterans Affairs and recorded the person’s rank, regimental number, and the conflict they were involved in. As Becker pointed out, the plaques are the last official recognition of the sacrifices made by these soldiers, who gave up their youth for the service of their country. The theft of these plaques is not just a theft of metal, but a theft of identity and a desecration of the memory of these brave men and women.
The Personal Story of Rose Hinchey
One of the stolen plaques belonged to Rose Hinchey, a nurse who served in the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service during World War Two and the Korean War. Hinchey’s story is a testament to the bravery and selflessness of the soldiers who served their country. Born in Bluff, Hinchey trained as a nurse in Invercargill and went on to serve in some of the most significant conflicts of the 20th century. Her plaque was one of the nine stolen, and its loss is deeply felt by the community.
The Response from the RSA and Police
The Awarua RSA and the police are working together to investigate the theft and recover the stolen plaques. Becker has appealed to the thieves to return the plaques, urging them to consider the harm they have caused to the families and community. He has also pointed out that the plaques are of no value to anyone except the families and community, and that they should be returned to their rightful place. The police are investigating the theft and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.
The Broader Context of the Theft
The theft of the plaques is not an isolated incident, but part of a larger trend of similar thefts that have occurred in other parts of the country. Becker believes that the thieves are looking to make a quick profit from the sale of the plaques, but he warns them that they will not get away with it. The community is outraged, and the police are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice. The theft of the plaques is a reminder of the importance of respecting the memory of those who have served their country, and the need to protect and preserve their legacy.
Conclusion and Appeal
In conclusion, the theft of the burial plaques from St Johns Cemetery is a senseless and hurtful act that has caused significant distress to the families and community. The Awarua RSA and the police are working together to recover the stolen plaques and bring the perpetrators to justice. The community is urged to come forward with any information that may lead to the recovery of the plaques and the prosecution of those responsible. As Becker so eloquently put it, the plaques are not just pieces of metal, but a symbol of the sacrifices made by those who have served their country. They should be treated with respect and dignity, and their memory should be preserved for future generations.