ICYMI: Awkward Moment: Kids Play on War Memorial, OK or Not?

Editor’s note: This is a “rewind” of one of our most popular stories published in 2015. Weigh in with your thoughts.

WASHINGTON, DC — Is it disrespectful for children to play on a war memorial?

In Washington, D.C., children were using the Vietnam Women’s Memorial as something of a jungle gym: Climbing, laughing and playing on it. The kids were playing in full view of veterans who were visiting as well as their parents, who stood by and laughed along with the kids, according to a photographer who took a picture and posted it on Facebook.

Photographer Matthew Munson of Ohio snapped the photo Saturday of the kids playing on the war memorial and posted it to his Facebook page.

Making it an even more powerful photo: Onlookers, who look to be veterans, one in a wheelchair, looking on with what appears to be disapproval on their faces.

The comments are rolling in and run the gamut, with some saying that playing on the memorial is disrespectful and others saying that vets fought so America’s children can play. Here’s a sampling:

• Richard says: “I spent 4 years in the marines in ICORE in 67 and 68 and during tet...get a grip they are just kids let them play....” (His comment has received 638 “likes.”)
• Trisha says: “This is totally disrespect at it’s fullest. The parents should be slapped with a fine. My sons are 7 and 5 and crazy, but I don’t think they would dare..” (Her comment so far has 448 “likes.”)
• Randy says: “Holy hell! Maybe afterwards the parents could take their kids on a nice tomato throwing spree at a cathedral. Please understand, I’m not blaming the kids.” (His comment has received 531 “likes.”)

One things for sure, the photo has stirring up feelings and generated tons of commentary. So tell us, what do you think?