Whether perpetrated by a lousy human, or someone in deep pain, residents are lamenting the total destruction of a popular memorial Christmas tree at Esquimalt Lagoon.
Since 2020, the Memory Tree has popped up each December, bearing ornaments with names on them, memories and messages from residents and visitors in passing.
The tree was vandalized the night of Dec. 28, according to a social media post by organizer Lolly Wilkinson. Every decoration was cut off and thrown around with just ribbons remaining to be cleaned up by volunteers the next day.
“Our decorating committee with tears in our eyes gathered two large bins of ornaments and we cut the remaining ribbons off. It must have taken a great effort, because the tree was covered with 200+ ornaments of love and loss,” Wilkinson wrote. “For many people this Memory Christmas Tree helped them on their healing and recovery journey.”
Finding the news "devastating and disappointing," one commenter called on the community for a positive response.
"You brought joy and love to people with that tree and those decorations. I know this first hand as my husband and best friend have an ornament on that tree. My cousin also has an ornament on the tree and because of that tree my aunt met you and so did I," wrote Melissa Nelson. "As heartbreaking as this is I hope we as a community don’t let these lowlifes win. I’m not exactly sure what I can do but I plan on being a part of the rebuild. You created light for people in their dark times. And we thank you."
The plethora of responses includes those suggesting someone could be in extreme pain to do such a thing, with others questioning whether the perpetrator recognized the emotional value of the ornaments, plain anger and an overarching “thank you”.
“Thank you to the community who did all the decorating and to those who cleaned up the mess. I hope you find comfort in knowing there are more kind and caring people out there than those who destroy. It is so important to remember those we’ve lost, especially during the holidays. Thinking of you all,” wrote Loralee Smyth.
