Latest news with #BattlefieldCrossandSoldier
American Military News
23-05-2025
- American Military News
Pic: Armed Forces Memorial vandalized in California
Law enforcement officials are currently searching for suspects after the 'Battlefield Cross and Soldier' at the Paramount Armed Forces Memorial in Los Angeles County, California, was vandalized this week. In a Wednesday post on Facebook, the City of Paramount wrote, 'We are deeply saddened and troubled to report that the 'Battlefield Cross and Soldier' art piece at the Paramount Armed Forces Memorial at the Civic Center has been vandalized and pieces have been stolen.' According to KTLA, the Battlefield Cross and Soldier is a metal sculpture that portrays a U.S. soldier kneeling and honoring a fallen fellow soldier. The fallen soldier is represented by a rifle with a military helmet, which forms a common military symbol known as the 'Soldier's Cross.' KTLA reported that the Battlefield Cross and Soldier at the Paramount Armed Forces Memorial was first unveiled in November of 2024. READ MORE: Video: Left-wing protesters vandalize US Constitution A picture shared by KTLA 5 Morning News shows the Battlefield Cross and Soldier memorial in Paramount. 'We are deeply saddened and troubled to report that the 'Battlefield Cross and Soldier' art piece at the Paramount Armed Forces Memorial at the Civic Center has been vandalized and pieces have been stolen,' the city — KTLA 5 Morning News (@KTLAMorningNews) May 22, 2025 KTLA reported that the individuals responsible for the recent vandalism incident not only caused damage to the military memorial in Los Angeles County but also appear to have stolen the bronze rifle that was featured as part of the Battlefield Cross and Soldier. 'This is a shameful act of disrespect to those who risked their lives protecting our country and freedoms, as this memorial stands as a symbol of honor and their sacrifice,' the City of Paramount wrote in Wednesday's Facebook post. The city added, 'Let's stand together to protect the memory of our heroes, #Paramount.' The City of Paramount encouraged anyone with information regarding the recent vandalism incident to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Lakewood Station at 562-623-3500 to help law enforcement officials identify the people responsible for the military memorial vandalism.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Military statue in Paramount vandalized days before Memorial Day
LOS ANGELES - Just days before Memorial Day, a military statue in Paramount was vandalized. What we know Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons said items were stolen from the 'Battlefield Cross and Soldier' display at the Paramount Armed Forces Memorial in the Civic Center. She told FOX 11 that she and her granddaughter were walking in the area when she noticed the vandalized statue. The life-size memorial shows a soldier kneeling, paying tribute to a fallen soldier. A gun and the fallen soldier's hat make up the cross. Lemons said the suspect(s) took the gun and hat. She also said an old vacuum was left behind. With Memorial Day around the corner, this act of crime hits specifically hard for the military community. "This was a very thoughtless, cruel, disrespectful thing to do to the military families in this community," Lemons said. "If you realized what you've done and how many people you've hurt, how many families are taking this personally that you would be so disrespectful of the men and women who literally laid down their lives for your freedom, then bring it back, leave it here. Call us and let us know it's here." Lemons said the city plans to repair the statue, but unfortunately, it won't be ready in time for the planned Memorial Day service. "They are a little bit broken-hearted. I have made pleas, always in these situations, someone knows something. And so I have asked the community, if you know anything, you can reach out on our social media, call the sheriff's department and leave an anonymous tip," Lemons added. The statue was recently installed in November 2024. What we don't know No description of the suspect(s) was given. Lemons believes whoever stole the items might sell or melt the metal for money. What you can do Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the LASD Lakewood Station at (562) 623-3500.
