Someone cut off a portion of a Paramount statue that serves as a strict respect for military veterans with a crime that marked painful losses in the community before the anniversary.
Several pieces of the battlefield cross and soldiers at the Paramount Army memorial at the Civic Center were bundled and stolen. The crime that caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage was discovered by the city’s mayor this week.
She was across from the memorial with her granddaughter when she realized that the statue’s rifle and hat were missing.
“It’s great to let this person and these people know that this isn’t the right time,” Mayor Peggy Lemons said. “This is not the right place, I was ashamed of you for hurting the hearts of those whose hearts have already been devastated by loss.”
In a social media post on Wednesday on Facebook, city officials said they are “deeply saddened and annoyed” by vandalism and theft. The statue was announced in November.
“This is a shameful and rude act for those who risked their lives protecting our nation and freedom, as this monument stands as a symbol of honor and sacrifice,” according to the Post.
The theft came days before the anniversary Monday ceremony hosted by the Lodge at Paramount Elk.
“I want to let this person know that this is not okay. If they’re listening, what I want to say to that person is if you’re in trouble, if you did this for money, you can come to us,” Lemons said. “We have lots of programs and lots of services to help you. You don’t need to go to these lengths… you’re going to make emotional attacks on the families of people who have already lost a lot. They didn’t have to lose this either.”
City officials today are helping to identify the person responsible. Anyone with information to identify the person in charge will be asked to contact LASD Lakewood Station at 562-623-3500.
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