The Isle of Man will lead the way in the preservation of its war memorials if proposed legislation is approved.
That's the view of Juan Watterson MHK whose War Memorials Bill got its second reading in the House of Keys this week.
New legislation would give statutory protection to the Isle of Man's war memorials. Mr Watterson said he had consulted local authorities and church authorities who would be most affected.He said grant aid would be available to assist with the upkeep of registered war memorials.
Mr Watterson said: 'I cannot find another country that has placed a duty on a group to maintainmemorials. I can only hope that, if passed, this will be a standard for other countries going forward – and what better time to do so?
'I therefore ask the House to support this Bill to make provision fit for the future and toensure that the memory of those who died continues to be preserved beyond the lifetimes of those who knew them. As we say at every Remembrance Day, ‘We will remember them.’ '
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