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Vandals Tag Veteran's Memorial...Again Save Email Print
Posted: 3:44 PM Nov 8, 2008
 Last Updated: 3:44 PM Nov 8, 2008
 Reporter: WOWT
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com
58 comments
A | A | A

Veterans came to Heartland of America Park Saturday morning only to see their monument had been tagged with graffiti.

This is the second time this year the para-trooper monument has been vandalized.

The first time was in March, just after a new marble base was added to the monument.

"It bothers me when this represents men and women of our armed forces and Veteran's Day is 2 days away." Terry Zahn, President of the Midwest 101 Airborne, discovered the graffiti.

He has been working to get the monument ready for a ceremony where a new plaque will be revealed.

Now he can only hope the graffiti will be removed in time.

Omaha Police are investigating the incident. A reward is being offered for any tips that lead to a conviction.
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Posted by: Steve on Nov 11, 2008 at 07:42 AM
Ben and others with comments like "veterans fought for the punks freedom to vandalize" are not on the mark. We're not talking about freedom of self expression, art, or espousing political ideas. These tags aren't "Romans go home," or "Free Tibet." These tags are names, monikers of individuals done for self glorification. Or they are names of gangs or wannabe gangs (99% latino). I am enraged, just like you, but let's never compare graffiti vandalism, a crime plain and simple, to any kind of freedom or right won or defended by the sacrifices of our veterans. With respect to neighborhood graffiti, I challenge everyone to buy a couple of cans of spray paint that matche a light pole, utility box, etc. When a tag appears near your home, business, or spots in between, take 5 minutes to stop and cover it up. Buy some Goop Off Graffiti Remover from the hardware store and wipe off marker tags easily, as well. I've personally abated graffiti on a few streets near my home with results.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 10, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Of course it would be easy to get the illegal aliens out. Cut off their welfare, and stop the war on drugs. Those who think the war on drugs is a good thing need to google LEAP. Drugs are bad. The drug war is worse, and it brings foreign criminals to our country. Stop the drug war and almost all the graffiti, and alot of other crime as well would disappear. Don't forget the U.S. already incarcerates more people per capita than any country in the world. Where has that gotten us? Of course if anyone thinks 20 plus million illegal aliens is a good thing we could just keep on doing the same thing.
Posted by: Ben on Nov 10, 2008 at 02:21 PM
These heros fought and died for the freedom to vandalize america. Kinda sucks dont it?
Posted by: Lori on Nov 10, 2008 at 01:50 PM
The problem today is, that it isn't AMERICA that is at war overseas. The U.S. MILITARY is at war. AMERICA is at the mall. Or, apparently, spraypainting gang grafitti all over vetereans' memorials. makes me wish we could pack up every thug punk and ship them to Iraq and Afghanistan...not as soldiers, but as target practice.
Posted by: OMAHA on Nov 10, 2008 at 01:17 PM
GET THE ILLEGALS OUT OF THE COMMUNITY!! This is not hard! Also, gang members can be caught easily too - put them in jail and keep them there. Put a curfew on the sttreets and enforce it. Simple! Now execute it Mayor!!
Posted by: Joe on Nov 10, 2008 at 01:12 PM
How about the news report on the markings. let us know what this paint symbolizes what group should we be looking for and where to find them. I am quite sure that OPD has files on all the known members of most of the gangs here in Omaha. Maybe CSI should look for fingerprints and other evidence. Otherwise, maybe its time for the citizens of this town to start taking action against the criminals. If the police wont do anything, it is our duty to do something for ourselves.
Posted by: Allan on Nov 10, 2008 at 10:31 AM
It's time to start treating these people as criminals.This is a crime against us all that love and respect this country,If you look at the signs they leave it's not hard to know who did this. The police know who they are but they choose not to act, they don't want to upset those who protect them.If everyone as Americans did there civic duty we wouldn't have this kind of disrepect we would be watching for this kind of vandalism and not be afraid to report them.I believe in community service, if by any luck our inept police force are able to track them down and they go to trial maybe our liberal judges would have enough guts to fine them and make them clean up there mess.I'm so tired of this, I live deep in south Omaha and it's makes me sick when I drive down the street and see this kind of garbage.I see cars parked on front lawns, sofa's on porches,multiple families living in single family dwellings, when are the city ordinances going to be enforced. When is enough - enough ??????
Posted by: Citizen on Nov 10, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Time to take our city back and secure our borders. The illegal immigration issue has brought more crime to this country, it is time it ended. My daughter and I were almost killed by a questionable character with no license, insurance or legal plates. This was ten years ago, we were treated very badly by OPD and told the car would only be looked at if my daughter died.
Posted by: LLR on Nov 10, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Absolutely, positively sad, disheartening and disrespectful. Especially right before Veterans' Day. SO many youth of today have no concept of sacrifice and what they owe the veterans of this country. Alas, they never WILL know. Low-life scum punks.
Posted by: Jennifer on Nov 9, 2008 at 08:57 PM
I have several relatives who haved served and are still serving their duty in the armed forces. After hearing about this horrific mess, I was so angry, that I thought why do I live in this country. My grandpa served in past wars, my dad retired after 20 years from the Air Force and my brother is in the National Guard and has been over in the war zone at least three times and is over there now. I really feel sorry for the military, because they are not thanked or thought of enough by this country for their service, guidance, and protection to all Americans. They are the ones who keep this country alive. Maybe putting cameras up would help. Cameras are used for everything else. All I can say is God Bless the Veterans and I hope the vandals get caught. This kind of crime should be a felony.
Posted by: Todd on Nov 9, 2008 at 07:09 PM
This is TREASON and the culprits should be EXECUTED.
Posted by: Doug on Nov 9, 2008 at 06:54 PM
Maybe it's time to put the draft back in place for this type of individual, and maybe they will appreciate what these vets have done.
Posted by: Sgt.Airborne on Nov 9, 2008 at 05:16 PM
First and foremost I SALUTE the VETERANS and their FAMILIES,FRIENDS for all you have done or are doing.I don't know what would be worse a platoon of Marines or a Squad of Paratroopers or Special Operations(Rangers,Seals,Green Berets,Delta Force) on these Low Lifes door steps or in there hood.
Posted by: Gary on Nov 9, 2008 at 03:27 PM
As a Vet I am of the opinion that this is an act of treason and the individuals who did this should be shot on sight. Fortunately for these scum suckers this is not the case. Our Vets fought and died for these morons to have the right to express them selves. Too bad they can't find more productive ways to do so. Most of these "tagers" and juveniles whose parents obviously did not care enough to raise their kids right, Maybe they should be held more responsible. Perhaps it's time to have curfews, punish the parents and the the children they can't control.
Posted by: David on Nov 9, 2008 at 03:03 PM
What reason could there possibly be for scum like this?
Posted by: Tim on Nov 9, 2008 at 01:43 PM
I am sorry to say but I think everyone should think about security for these places. Also I would say you may want to look at the tags. they tell you who is tagging them.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 9, 2008 at 12:45 PM
How completely disrespectful! Parents, know WHERE your kids are and WHAT they're doing. If these people are too old for parental supervision (which their actions show they are not) then go out and get a JOB! I guarantee you that you won't have time to be destroying things when you have to work for what you have.
Posted by: Ozarks on Nov 9, 2008 at 11:46 AM
When they get caught, turn them over to the military for punishment. Then maybe they will learn what the Vetreran's Memorial is all about.
Posted by: Confused on Nov 9, 2008 at 11:39 AM
MS13 tagged a tree in Upland Park. Are these the poor children of the people that were caught as Ilegals? Ask the president elect.
Posted by: Angie on Nov 9, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Disrespectful kids! How sad that this is something that we need to worry about. My father fought in Vietnam and thankfully he came home. But many people lost their lives fighting for the freedom of all. The ones doing this are rude and disrespectful and have no morals. Sad!!
Posted by: Todd on Nov 9, 2008 at 09:46 AM
It's time for some vigilante justice in this town...
Posted by: J from Bennington on Nov 9, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Who pays to have the graffiti removed? If it is the Midwest 101st Airborne, could we please have that information, so we could help? Our veterans deserve more respect. I'm with "Semper Fi", but I'm afraid that this will happen again after the initial outcry and vigilance fades.
Posted by: Brian on Nov 9, 2008 at 09:08 AM
To Mike: Nothing would happen if veterans with conceal carry permits were around at the time. Vandalism is not justification for drawing arms.
Posted by: michael on Nov 9, 2008 at 09:03 AM
They only do it at night, as the cowards they are. When you shine a light on them, they scatter like bugs.
Posted by: scott on Nov 9, 2008 at 08:19 AM
As the son of veteran I come to realize more and more each day that the young of this country have lost respect for the sacrifices that our veterans have made so we can be free. Those fools who vandalized these monuments are not americans, they are cowards and traitors....
Posted by: Erin on Nov 9, 2008 at 08:02 AM
When they find out who did this they should ship them off to Iraq...
Posted by: mike on Nov 9, 2008 at 07:57 AM
disgusting...I would like the authorities to find these people..and to the Vets who are reading this, We love you, Thank You, Honor you, for the sacrifices you and your families have given to our country
Posted by: MJ on Nov 9, 2008 at 06:24 AM
Maybe the police should patrol the park area more frequently. I think video camer surveillance is a "must," too. I'm sorry this monument to the soldiers, who sacrifice so much for our freedom, was damaged.
Posted by: Dave on Nov 9, 2008 at 03:59 AM
This is a shameful display for the youth of today. Put up a video camera that covers the area so these taggers can be caught and punished to the fullest. The best punishment would be to make them stay a week in the barracks with marines for a week.
Posted by: A Navy vet on Nov 9, 2008 at 02:48 AM
What a bunch of low life ignorant cowards. They're only intelligent enough to sneek around and destroy something that means nothing to them. Watch some Little Sioux video of the Boy Scouts and see how to act and be respected. A night and day difference in youth. If these punks have nothing better to do, I'm sure there are soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan who could use a break from protecting their ungrateful behinds. They'd be crying to their mommies in a heartbeat.
Posted by: Obed on Nov 9, 2008 at 02:23 AM
Maybe it's time to activate the Draft. Too many people have to little reguard for others rights and their property. Instead of having a Veterans Day lets have a Veterans Month.
Posted by: John on Nov 9, 2008 at 12:20 AM
Put a snipper in the park. Next time they come back will be their last.
Posted by: Louie on Nov 8, 2008 at 11:03 PM
To concerned,This incindent has nothing to do with securing our borders. This is the work of local idiots with a can of spray paint and nothing better to do. Their parents have to secure their kids. I find this lack of respect for America's veterans very sad.
Posted by: SK on Nov 8, 2008 at 10:14 PM
My husband is a paratrooper and has lost many friends during his deployments to Iraq. It is sad that people have to destroy a memorial to those who have lost their lives in the fight for our country and our freedom. When will people realize their actions hurt others?
Posted by: ME on Nov 8, 2008 at 09:44 PM
I'm sorry, but these punks have no brains in their heads, obviously. They don't care one iota who or what they hurt. It's shameful to disgrace our monuments in such a way, but no one is being taught how important they are to all of us anymore. This makes me so mad! Where is the fighting spirit of us all? Time to take back what's ours and get rid of the riff raff for good.
Posted by: Eric on Nov 8, 2008 at 09:26 PM
I think it is sad that there are people out there that would disrespect a veterans monument. These men have fought for this nations freedom and this is the thanks that they get. It is disgusting. I am a active military member myself and it saddens me to know this is how some people feel. This is very disturbing. These individauls need to be caught.
Posted by: Keith on Nov 8, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Taggers have proved time and again that they don't care what gets painted, if they can get at it, they will paint. Unless this park gets a giant brick wall around it with a gate and lock, they will go in and paint what ever they want. Unless you want to hire a guard 24 hours a day, I don't know what else to say.
Posted by: Frank on Nov 8, 2008 at 09:04 PM
It's ironic that these brave men and women gave their lives for this country and yet there is no respect from these young "taggers" I for one will always remember their sacrifice. God Bless America and all its Veterans. I would gladly sit on a jury for these culprits.
Posted by: Tom on Nov 8, 2008 at 07:28 PM
To the graffiti artist parents: I hope you have the guts to turn you kids in for what they have done and are doing. Your just as much at fault as your kid. These men and women fought and died for your freedom to do this kind of crap. I hope your proud of yourselves.
Posted by: Bill on Nov 8, 2008 at 07:06 PM
These people who are doing this to our Country's Heroes should be ushered right to the front line armed with ther paint can and see how far a can of will go toward saving their lives. And if the parents say my little darling wouldn't do such a thing send them along to. I am a Veteran.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 8, 2008 at 07:05 PM
How disrespectful. For once I wish these people would get caught in the act and punished. I doubt that will happen, though. They never do.
Posted by: tony on Nov 8, 2008 at 06:20 PM
The signs are there, the law knows who is responsible, they need to arrest them and then prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law...should be a felony, how disgraceful. The vets deserve better then they are getting now, let alone put up with this.
Posted by: West Omaha Democrat on Nov 8, 2008 at 05:47 PM
Shameful and unbearably disrespectful. God Bless our veterans. I hope the vandals are caught. Perhaps if they have so little respect for the men and women of the military we should send them overseas to defend their country.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 8, 2008 at 04:52 PM
this is the work of gangs. Round them up and send them to jail, or their home state or country. Really sick people desecrate a war memorial.
Posted by: Greg on Nov 8, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Can the gang unit share which gang might be doing this? I'm sure the public would like to know and then those with the spray paint can bear the consequences.
Posted by: barney on Nov 8, 2008 at 04:13 PM
It's the dismal tide. Not the one thing.
Posted by: Jamie on Nov 8, 2008 at 04:07 PM
That's really sad. It's one thing to tag a fence, bridge, traincar, or a building, but to vandalize a memorial... to vandalize a memorial to vets who FOUGHT in a WAR for your rights is just lame and disgusting. I hope you're caught and I hope you LOSE your rights. You don't deserve them.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 8, 2008 at 03:45 PM
Just one small part of the price of not enforcing our immigrations laws. We have millions of people living in our country who don't respect our laws, history, or sovereignty.
Posted by: Mike on Nov 8, 2008 at 03:09 PM
I'm curious what those gutless punks would do if there just happened to be a couple of vets with concealed carry permits hanging around the next time they think its funny to vandalize a monument to our country's heros. This is a disgrace to everyone, including the idiots that did it.
Posted by: Pete on Nov 8, 2008 at 02:57 PM
You can't post a guard 24/7 at such memorials. But it sure is too bad that there wern't some combat veterans around when it happend to teach someone a hard lesson.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 8, 2008 at 02:50 PM
It is sickening that there is such a lack of respect for our armed forces and uniformed protectors in this area.
Posted by: Semper Fi on Nov 8, 2008 at 02:31 PM
I say we post a platoon of very gung-ho Marines to stake out the monument... and give them carte blanche to teach these pathetic little gang-banger punks the meaning of "respect" the next time they come around with their wussy little cans of spray-paint.
Posted by: Mike on Nov 8, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Knowing the kind of people that hang in that area, I am not suprised!
Posted by: Bill on Nov 8, 2008 at 01:35 PM
This is an insult to the veterans who fought for this country. The ones that did this are nothing but disrespectful low lifes, scumbags, thugs, hoods and gangbangers!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 8, 2008 at 01:14 PM
This makes me so angry. Vandals and thugs who have no respect for property, or the veterans who have fought and died for their freedoms. How about we catch them and send them off to Iraq?
Posted by: Ben on Nov 8, 2008 at 01:11 PM
Are all of you Omahans getting the message? Did you vote to keep these moron judges employed? Its time they get tough on these vandals. This crap will never stop unless we use some old fashioned butt kicking with these punks.
Posted by: Jeff on Nov 8, 2008 at 12:51 PM
This is absolutely disgusting! I hope those responsible are caught and don't have the luxury of going to jail. Put their faces on TV, where they live and what they drive. Justice will then be served after that!
Posted by: Concerned Citizen on Nov 8, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Time to secure our borders.
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