Should a giant bunny sculpture sit next to a war memorial?

Veterans in a U.S. town are hoping to have this fiberglass bunny moved away from their war monument. (Brett Connolly/Twitter)

A group of veterans in Dedham, Mass., are upset over a giant fiberglass bunny now sitting next to a local war memorial.

In a bid to showcase their discontent, they refused to fire a traditional salute on Thursday, which was Flag Day in the U.S.

"Why isn't it down here where the playgrounds are?" Frank Currin, a Vietnam veteran, asked local media.

"They have it sitting right next to the monument."

But Leroy the bunny, who was renamed Peace following the furor, has permission to be there.

He's part of a public art project that will see 14 other long-eared sculptures spread around the town located southwest of Boston.

The bunnies, including the striped one by Marietta Apollonio featured in the video below, are meant to generate an interest in the arts.
 


Jennifer Barsamian, co-founder of the non-profit group behind the bunnies, said that she has been discouraged by the backlash.

"We were completely surprised and caught off guard when this happened," Barsamian said.

The people of Dedham have had mixed reactions

Some agree with the veterans group and say the rabbit should not be so close to a sombre memorial. Others think the issue has been overblown, and that Peace is fine right where he is.

The rabbit's fate will be decided in a public meeting to be held on Monday.

What do you think of placing a giant bunny next to a war memorial? Is the veterans group right to be upset?

Has the placement of a work of art ever caused a fuss in your hometown? Tell us about it in the field below.




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