WASHINGTON – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) strongly condemns today’s disgraceful vandalism of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. It is difficult to comprehend that anyone would deliberately deface a sacred memorial dedicated to the 16 million Americans who served during World War II, including the more than 400,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Defacing this memorial with graffiti and paint and dumping soap into its fountains is not an act of expression. It is an act of profound disrespect, a slap in the face to the veterans who served and sacrificed and to the families who carried that burden at home. It is an especially painful insult to the few remaining World War II veterans still with us today. It is personal for me as well, as both of my grandfathers served during World War II.
These memorials are not backdrops for political statements, acts of vandalism or childish stunts. They are sacred places of remembrance that belong to every American. Those who visit them should show the same dignity and respect that we owe to the men and women whose service and sacrifice they commemorate.
The VFW supports the swift investigation and prosecution of those responsible and urges anyone with information to immediately provide it to law enforcement. There are countless lawful and legitimate ways to make your voice heard in our nation’s capital. Defacing a memorial to Americans who fought to defend our freedoms is not one of them.
We expect accountability for this disgraceful act and a swift response to restore the memorial. We eagerly await the National Park Service’s plan for repairing the damage and ensuring the National World War II Memorial remains a fitting and enduring tribute to America’s Greatest Generation.
America must never forget the sacrifices made by those who answered the call to defend our nation. We owe them more than our gratitude; we owe them our respect.