Crime against our fallen heroes deserves a severe response

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 throughout the long, hot summer of 2020 — but it’s also fine to steal one right off its pedestal.

A thief — or thieves — stole a bronze statue of a US soldier kneeling in front of a battle cross — a helmet and rifle mounted in a pair of empty combat boots to honor a fallen comrade-in-arms.

The statue was unveiled by the city of Paramount in November 2024. But it was stolen earlier this month, likely for the raw value of the metal, which is apparently worth $100,000 on the black market.

The culprits sawed off the statue despite the fact that there are several cameras monitoring the site — a fact that has been well-reported. Indeed, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department says that it has footage of the shocking, disrespectful heist.

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, parts of the statue were vandalized and stolen. Afterward, the city of Paramount replaced the missing pieces, and reinforced the statue; it also added the cameras and other security features.

All to no avail, as evidently someone values scrap metal more than the sacrifice of our military heroes.

This is a crime that demands more than moral outrage.

It must be investigated, solved and prosecuted by LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman to the fullest extent of the law.

It should also be met with condemnation by elected officials and civic leaders. We need to end, once and for all, the idea that it is OK to attack American memorials.

Many thousands of Californians have given their lives in our nation’s wars — including the ongoing war in Iran.

The US has taken deep pride in its sacrifices: It has lifted up the families of the fallen. Servicepeople are an inspiration to each generation 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 war in Iran, and those who oppose it.

But we should all come together in support of our troops, our veterans and our fallen.

A disgraceful crime deserves a severe response.

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