A bonfire society has defended its decision to burn a model of a Second World War soldier. Seaford Bonfire Society commemorated the 80th anniversary of the D-day landings by burning a model of a Second World War soldier in a landing boat after their parade on October 12. They also set a banner which read "Lest We Forget" ablaze.
The society was criticised but said it is not political, unlike the neighbouring Lewes Bonfire which has burned effigies of Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Tony Blair and broadcaster Katie Hopkins over the years. The society “burns for good”, rather than burning a figure of criticism and burns what they describe as a “tableau”, rather than an effigy. While many praised the event and its organisers, some were left a little confused.
One resident said: “Traditionally the effigy at any bonfire has been somebody to poke fun at - a politician, policeman, councillor. To suddenly change that and say it was a mark of respect is a very odd thing to do.” Another said the event was inappropriate and sent the “wrong message”.
Last year Lewes Bonfire burnt an effigy of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (Image: Andrew Garden/The Argus) He said: “It has not been thought through and can be perceived as labelling the soldier as bad...
there’s enough woke thinking and a whole younger generation that does not properly understand the world they live in today is because the army is a peacekeeping force to protect our freedom in this country and not an evil e.
