New York Mayor Eric Adams expressed his anger and disgust after anti-Israel protesters vandalized a World War I memorial in New York City. The 107th United States Infantry monument, located along Central Park, was defaced with pro-Palestinian stickers, graffiti reading “Free Gaza,” and the burning of the American flag. As a response, Adams offered a personal reward of $5,000 to catch the vandals, with NYPD Crime Stoppers offering an additional $10,000. He emphasized the importance of respecting memorials for those who fought for democracy and human rights, denouncing the actions of the protesters.
The memorial, depicting U.S. Army soldiers bursting through the Hindenburg Line in September 1918, honors the troops known as the Doughboys who served under Army Gen. John Pershing’s American Expeditionary Forces. While most memorials typically honor high-ranking military officials, this monument is unique in its tribute to the ordinary soldiers who fought in World War I. Officials, including Senator Tom Cotton and New York City Councilor Vickie Paladino, condemned the vandalism as felony violations of the Veterans’ Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act. They called for swift action to apprehend the suspects responsible for defacing the memorial.
Video footage showed a group of anti-Israel supporters placing a flag on the statue and spray-painting messages in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Multiple veterans’ groups, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law while also recognizing the right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. The incident at the memorial sparked outrage and a call for justice from various individuals and organizations, with efforts made to clean and restore the monument after being defaced.
In addition to the vandalism at the World War I memorial, another statue honoring Union Army Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman near Central Park was also targeted by protesters. A Palestinian flag was placed on the statue, which was later removed by NYPD officers as they sought three suspects responsible for the act of vandalism. The defacement of both memorials occurred during anti-Israel protests in the area, prompting strong reactions from public officials and veterans groups who condemned the actions as disrespectful and illegal. Efforts are being made to identify and apprehend those responsible for the vandalism.
The incident at the memorial has sparked discussions around the importance of protecting and preserving historical monuments, particularly those honoring the sacrifices of military personnel. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized his commitment to ensuring that those who desecrated the memorial are held accountable for their actions. The vandalism of the World War I monument highlighted the need for respect for symbols of national pride and remembrance, with calls for unity and respect for those who have served in the armed forces.
Overall, the defacement of the World War I memorial in New York City has evoked strong reactions and calls for justice from various individuals and organizations. The incident has raised concerns about the protection of historical monuments and the need to uphold the rule of law while also respecting freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. Efforts are being made to identify and apprehend the suspects responsible for the vandalism, as the community works to restore and preserve the memorial honoring the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy and human rights.
