The South Belfast MLA was speaking ahead of an Alliance motion due to be debated tomorrow (11 Nov), calling on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to conduct an audit to assess the number of memorials on public land, and to help support communities to re-image these memorials by removing paramilitary imagery and emblems, and references to acts of violence.
Ms Bradshaw stated: “Everyone should have the right to remember the dead in a way that is respectful, sensitive, dignified, and in a way that avoids causing pain or hurt to others.
“This does not include erecting memorials unlawfully nor any that include imagery and emblems that can be seen as marking territory and glorifying terrorism.
“Tomorrow’s motion is about ensuring remembrance in Northern Ireland happens lawfully, respectfully, and inclusively by calling on the Executive Office for an audit of memorials on public land and action to work with communities to re-image promote commemoration of loss, while removing paramilitary imagery, once and for all.
“We recognise that while everyone has the right to honour their dead, that right carries a shared responsibility to do so in ways that uphold the law and do not cause harm or division.
“Public land belongs to us all, and its symbolism should reflect that. This is about creating spaces defined by respect, not rivalry, and showing that memory in Northern Ireland can finally become a bridge, not a barrier.”
Ms Bradshaw stated: “Everyone should have the right to remember the dead in a way that is respectful, sensitive, dignified, and in a way that avoids causing pain or hurt to others.
“This does not include erecting memorials unlawfully nor any that include imagery and emblems that can be seen as marking territory and glorifying terrorism.
“Tomorrow’s motion is about ensuring remembrance in Northern Ireland happens lawfully, respectfully, and inclusively by calling on the Executive Office for an audit of memorials on public land and action to work with communities to re-image promote commemoration of loss, while removing paramilitary imagery, once and for all.
“We recognise that while everyone has the right to honour their dead, that right carries a shared responsibility to do so in ways that uphold the law and do not cause harm or division.
“Public land belongs to us all, and its symbolism should reflect that. This is about creating spaces defined by respect, not rivalry, and showing that memory in Northern Ireland can finally become a bridge, not a barrier.”