NOVEMBER sees the annual Remembrance Day services, when we pay our respects to those who died serving their country.

This year, it’s even more poignant. The 70th anniversary of the Blitz has brought vivid accounts of civilian courage and sacrifice, as well as the heroic efforts of our armed forces – even today.

So those press reports of vandalism and anti-social acts at war memorials have been shocking. Thankfully, this is the behaviour of a tiny minority, usually alcohol-driven.

Countrywide, there are an estimated 100,000 war memorials. Ironically, they owe their existence in our lives to the fact that such was the First World War carnage, repatriation of bodies was banned. The War Memorial Trust is conducting a survey as a centenary publication for 2014.

These memorials are a significant part of our public realm, collective civic memory and conscience. St Albans has some fine examples: the one in Portland stone at the top of St Peters Street, and the Cross of Sacrifice, located in Soldiers’ Corner at Hatfield Road Cemetery.

But we also have something unique: the ten WWI street memorials in Abbey Parish. Canon Glossop, then in office at the Cathedral, who had lost two sons in the conflict, was much involved in their creation. These memorials survived by chance. The Orchard Street one disappeared; the Lower Dagnall Street one had the names of the fallen chiselled out. So in1964, the Council stepped in and took over their upkeep and protection.

Then in 2002, both missing memorials were restored. St Albans Civic Society was proud to make a contribution towards the costs. Now on Remembrance Sunday, a wreath of poppies is placed by local residents, with a short service, at many of the sites. And you can take a War Memorials Walk with the City Guides.

Yet some still get scant respect. Why is the Wax House Gate memorial in High Street permanently affronted by two A-boards, chained to a post, and advertising a nearby restaurant?

Our War Memorials are important. The Civic Society will continue to support their care, and help ensure they receive the honour they deserve.

Eric Roberts, St Albans Civic Society