There was a time when no one would dare to desecrate a statue of an American veteran.
Today, apparently, not only is it OK to desecrate a memorial — as Black Lives Matter rioters did all through the lengthy, scorching summer time of 2020 — but it’s also fantastic to steal one proper off its pedestal.
A thief — or thieves — stole a bronze statue of a US soldier kneeling in entrance of a battle cross — a helmet and rifle mounted in a pair of empty fight boots to honor a fallen comrade-in-arms.
A life-size bronze statue of a kneeling soldier was stolen from the Paramount Armed Forces Memorial outside Paramount City Hall on Aug. 19.
The statue was unveiled by the metropolis of Paramount in November 2024. But it was stolen earlier this month, doubtless for the uncooked worth of the steel, which is apparently price $100,000 on the black market.
The culprits sawed off the statue despite the reality that there are several cameras monitoring the web site — a reality that has been well-reported. Indeed, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department says that it has footage of the stunning, disrespectful heist.
Thieves reduce the determine from its base in minutes, bringing the estimated loss, including a rifle stolen from the memorial last yr, to about $100,000.
Whoever did it expected to get away with the brazen crime.
And why wouldn’t they? It’s not even the first time the statue has been attacked.
In May 2025, components of the statue were vandalized and stolen. Afterward, the metropolis of Paramount changed the lacking items, and strengthened the statue; it also added the cameras and other safety features.
All to no avail, as evidently someone values scrap steel more than the sacrifice of our army heroes.
This is a crime that calls for more than ethical outrage.
It must be investigated, solved and prosecuted by LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman to the fullest extent of the legislation.
It should also be met with condemnation by elected officers and civic leaders. We want to finish, once and for all, the concept that it is OK to attack American memorials.
Many hundreds of Californians have given their lives in our nation’s wars — including the ongoing conflict in Iran.
The brazen theft is not the first time the statue has been attacked: In May 2025, components of the statue were vandalized and stolen. Facebook/@MayorBrendaOlmos
The US has taken deep satisfaction in its sacrifices: It has lifted up the households of the fallen. Servicepeople are an inspiration to each technology of Americans that follows — and future heroes.
Wars can be controversial. The Vietnam War divided California and the nation. Today, there are Californians who support the conflict in Iran, and these who oppose it.
But we should all come collectively in support of our troops, our veterans and our fallen.
A disgraceful crime deserves a extreme response.
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