‘Utter disgrace’: World War II Memorial vandalized in Washington, DC

WASHINGTON —

The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., was vandalized Thursday, according to the U.S. Interior Department. The department said Park Police are investigating the matter.

In a statement to the Washington News Bureau, an Interior Department spokesperson said, “The vandalism that occurred is an utter disgrace and will not be tolerated. Our U.S. Park Police are on the scene and the investigation is ongoing. The public should know we will find the person responsible for this disgusting act.”

The Friends of the National World War II Memorial (Friends) said the organization is “deeply disturbed” by the vandalism.

Friends shared the following statement: “There are many places in our country for expression, debate, and disagreement. A national memorial honoring those who served and those who never returned home should never be used as a canvas for vandalism.”

The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., was formally dedicated on May 29, 2004.