Crime against our fallen heroes deserves a severe – Latest News
There was a time when no one would dare to desecrate a statue of an American veteran.
Today, apparently, not solely is it OK to desecrate a memorial — as Black Lives Matter rioters did all through the long, scorching summer time of 2020 — however it’s additionally effective to steal one proper off its pedestal.
A thief — or thieves — stole a bronze statue of a US soldier kneeling in entrance of a battle cross — a helmet and rifle mounted in a pair of empty fight boots to honor a fallen comrade-in-arms.
A life-size bronze statue of a kneeling soldier was stolen from the Paramount Armed Forces Memorial exterior Paramount City Hall on Aug. 19.
The statue was unveiled by town of Paramount in November 2024. But it was stolen earlier this month, doubtless for the uncooked worth of the steel, which is seemingly price $100,000 on the black market.
The culprits sawed off the statue even if there are a number of cameras monitoring the location — a indisputable fact that has been well-reported. Indeed, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department says that it has footage of the surprising, disrespectful heist.
Thieves cut the determine from its base in minutes, bringing the estimated loss, together with a rifle stolen from the memorial final 12 months, to about $100,000.
Whoever did it anticipated to get away with the brazen crime.
And why wouldn’t they? It’s not even the primary time the statue has been attacked.
In May 2025, components of the statue had been vandalized and stolen. Afterward, town of Paramount changed the lacking items, and bolstered the statue; it additionally added the cameras and different security options.
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All to no avail, as evidently somebody values scrap steel more than the sacrifice of our navy heroes.
This is a crime that calls for more than ethical outrage.
It should be investigated, solved and prosecuted by LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman to the fullest extent of the law.
It must also be met with condemnation by elected officers and civic leaders. We need to finish, as soon as and for all, the concept it’s OK to assault American memorials.
Many 1000’s of Californians have given their lives in our nation’s wars — together with the continuing struggle in Iran.
The brazen theft just isn’t the primary time the statue has been attacked: In May 2025, components of the statue had been vandalized and stolen. Facebook/@MayorBrendaOlmos
The US has taken deep delight in its sacrifices: It has lifted up the households of the fallen. Servicepeople are an inspiration to every technology of Americans that follows — and future heroes.
Wars may be controversial. The Vietnam War divided California and the nation. Today, there are Californians who help the struggle in Iran, and those that oppose it.
But we must always all come collectively in help of our troops, our veterans and our fallen.
A disgraceful crime deserves a severe response.
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