The Cross of Crosses was laid down in August 2014 to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War and to commemorate those from the Isle of Man, in particular the North of the Island, who fell in that conflict.
The Cross of Crosses consisted of a large green cross as a base into which more than a thousand smaller crosses were placed. The vandalism resulted in the smaller crosses being snapped off and thrown around the area of the Rotary Club Sensory Garden in Mooragh Park. Many of those small crosses had been personalised by family and relatives of the fallen and, as such, their loss is all the more acutely felt.
The vandalism was reported to the police and Ramsey Town Commissioners, with the support of the Royal British Legion, will consider taking further action should additional information be forthcoming. It is believed that the vandalism was been carried out by youths. We would therefore request that parents and schools explain the significance of memorials such as these; what they mean to the relatives and the community and the deep distress these acts of desecration can cause.
Due to the extensive damage it is proposed to fully restore the Cross of Crosses by replacing the small crosses with new and to plant poppies around the perimeter of the base cross, a project expected to be completed by the end of May 2016.
Anyone who originally made a personal dedication on one of the small crosses and wishes to renew that dedication can do so by contacting Colin Douglas, Royal British Legion Ramsey Branch chairman, on 486311 or by e-mailing RamseyRBL.Chairman@rbl.community.
Photo - Shows small crosses left scattered in Mooragh Park’s sensory garden.
