New John Frost plaque in Arnhem vandalized less than a month after original was stolen
A newly installed plaque honoring Lieutenant Colonel John Frost at the John Frostbrug in Arnhem was vandalized less than a month after replacing the original stolen monument, local officials confirmed Sunday. The plaque, a gift from the Dutch TV program Even tot Hier, was discovered missing by Arnhem alderman Bob Roelofs during a routine visit Saturday, de Gelderlander reported.
Roelofs expressed deep frustration over the incident. “The new, replacement plaque of John Frost was gone,” he told de Gelderlander Sunday morning. “It was likely pried loose from its frame by some fool. I am really upset. Who does something like this?”
“It was such a beautiful gesture from Even tot Hier, filled with dignity and reverence. And now this. I have since learned that the plaque was found Friday night nearby. It is now safely stored at our city hall. The image itself seems undamaged, but we still need to examine it closely.”
The plaque had replaced a bronze memorial stolen in April. It featured an image of Lieutenant Colonel John Frost composed of tiny portraits of 800 soldiers from his unit, who fought in the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944. The monument was quickly embraced by many residents of Arnhem, and Frost’s daughter, Caroline Frost, had also expressed her approval.
“How do you even think to remove it from its frame? It must have required force. Such a monument deserves only respect and reverence. You must keep your hands off it,” Roelofs told de Gelderlander.
Roelofs said the motivation behind the vandalism remains unclear. “Is it hooliganism? Ignorance? It is disrespectful. I don’t understand how people don’t grasp the history behind this, that this is a tribute. I can’t understand those who don’t get that.”
He vowed both plaques—the stolen original and the Even tot Hier replacement—would be restored and reinstalled as soon as possible. “We will quickly discuss a replacement plaque with the family of the artist who made the original monument. What is encouraging is that at least ten Arnhem residents have contacted me, offering financial support for this.”
Roelofs also called for the restoration of the Even tot Hier plaque. “That needs to be repaired as soon as possible as well.”
Plans are underway for an official ceremony on September 19, the date when the Battle of Arnhem is commemorated annually. “Caroline Frost will be present. I want the two John Frost monuments to stand side by side. We will discuss this further with all involved parties.”
