Statement by TUV Mid Ulster Chairman Glenn Moore:
“On Wednesday evening, I was proud to attend and take part in the VE Day banner parade in Castledawson.
“It was a dignified and fitting occasion to remember the sacrifices made for freedom and the victory over Nazi Germany and the tyranny it represented.
“Regrettably, history reminds us that during the Second World War, the then Irish Free State remained neutral, maintained diplomatic ties with Fascist regimes, censored reports of the Holocaust, and even extended condolences upon the death of Adolf Hitler.
“Sadly, that same spirit appears to linger today. Following Wednesday’s parade, several flags and bunting were torn down and destroyed—a disgraceful act of disrespect.
“It seems that in Mid Ulster, unionists are increasingly treated as second-class citizens, with no right to celebrate our culture or commemorate our heroes.
“This incident comes just weeks after the Chairman of Mid Ulster District Council was seen attending a commemoration parade for IRA terrorist Jim Lynagh.
“What kind of society permits the glorification of terrorists while seeking to silence the remembrance of those who fought for freedom?”