Exclusive – A Kingston man said he was left speechless after seeing the grave of the first Prime Minister in Canada vandalized on Canada Day.
Robin Lee and his wife Gayle went to visit Lee’s grandfather’s grave in the Chinese section at Cataraqui Cemetery in Kingston around 2 p.m.
The cemetery was founded in 1850 and predates Canadian federation.
Because it was Canada Day, after visiting his grandfather the couple thought they would go to see Sir John A. Macdonald’s grave.
“When we saw it, I had no words,” said Lee.
“I was steaming inside.”
Red paint, believed to representing blood was poured over a cross for Macdonald.
It’s not only the first Prime Minister that is buried, but his family members as well.
One a pillar, the words, “Too Many To Count” in written in black marker.
“It was a funny feeling in my stomach.”
“You see these things on tv, but when you see it in reality it just hits you. There were words to describe it.”
Lee’s wife said she was disheartened when she saw the vandalism.
“That’s not a statue that’s a grave. That’s his final resting place.”
“It was on the memorial stone for the entire family.”
The couple contacted local media in Kingston, but didn’t receive any return messages.
A plaque with the names of family members of Macdonald who were buried was also vandalized.
In black marker the words, “For All The Pain You Cause – Burn In Hell” were written.
Alderville First Nation Chief Dave Mowat said, “the vandalizing of headstones in cemeteries, no matter who it may be, was off limits.”
Alderville First Nation is a band of Mississauga that called the region of Kingston home before resettling to Alderville, north of Cobourg.
“As the Chief of a First Nation I have to ask those that resort to such cowardly acts to back off.”
On July 1, hundreds of people Alderville First Nation and non-Indigenous allies from around the area came together to show unity for the lost children of residential schools.
“But when I see this I shake my head in disappointment because this type of thing does not speak to the issue at hand; it will never help in the journey of reconciliation.”
On Tuesday, July 2, the paint and marker had been removed as much as possible to the grave stones.
Kingston Police stated to Today’s Northumberland they were called to the cemetery on the afternoon of July 1 to take a report of the vandalism.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
