Lawmakers condemn vandalism at Vietnam memorial

About a dozen lawmakers gathered Thursday to introduce a resolution condemning the recent vandalism of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

“This is really an affront to the men and women who served in the Vietnam War,” Rep. John Carter (R-Texas) said. “I’m pretty damn mad about it.”

{mosads}An oily substance was found splashed on the memorial Sept. 7, according to the U.S. Park Police. The substance, according to the National Park Service, has stained 14 of the memorial’s 140 black granite panels.

Carter said more than 100 members are supporting a resolution condemning the vandalism so far, and he hopes every member of the House will sign on.

Rep. Sam Johnson (R-Texas), himself a veteran and prisoner of war, said the vandalism was “unconscionable and un-American.”

Johnson said he knew a fellow Air Force fighter pilot named Ron who was killed by his captors after a hunger strike.

“It breaks my heart to think that someone would senselessly harm and deface the name — the honored legacy of great patriots like Ronnie,” Johnson said.

Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas) said veterans didn't return to America as heroes and instead were spat upon.

"Many in this country poisoned their return home, and the greatest recognition given to the men and women who served was the creation of this monument," he said. "It is truly a sad day when someone would commit such an act and tear open the wounds so many Vietnam veterans are trying to overcome.”

AMVETS, the largest veterans service organization in the country, announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the vandals.

A Park Police spokesman, Sgt. Robert LaChance, said the investigation is ongoing and declined to provide further details.

Lawmakers were vehement in their desire to see the vandals caught.

“The unpatriotic, cowardly, abusing criminals should be tracked down, prosecuted and put in jail somewhere off the shores of America,” Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) said.

Park Service spokesman Bill Line said maintenance and preservation crews continue to work slowly on the memorial to ensure the oily substance is removed properly and avoid further damage.