L.A. Metro, Community Work To Cover Vets Memorial Vandalized In Venice

VENICE, CA --- Staff members from L.A. Metro have covered up a Vietnam veterans memorial that was defaced by vandals last week, the agency said today.

"Metro staff, LASD and LAPD began problem-solving this issue yesterday, assisted by volunteers from the Venice community,'' read a statement issued today by Metro CEO Phil Washington. "We were initially hopeful that the
graffiti could be removed without damaging the memorial but Metro's contractor says the damage is too extensive. Metro will work with the community to gather historical photos so the wall can be restored. In the meantime, Metro will cover the wall as a gesture of respect to the fallen whose names were covered by the graffiti.''

The vandals sprayed a thick sheen of silver paint over most of the 2,273 names of Vietnam veterans on the mural at the transit agency's bus yard on Pacific Avenue near Sunset Court.

The mural has a message at the top reading "You Are Not Forgotten" and bears the names of the soldiers counted as prisoners of war or missing in action in Vietnam.

The mural was dedicated by artist Peter Stewart in 1992, according to the Los Angeles Times.

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--City News Service/Image courtesy of LA County Sheriff's ‏@LASDHQ on Twitter