Posted on Mar 25, 2015
Capt Brandon Charters
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This photo snapped today of children using the The Vietnam Women’s Memorial as a playground fixture has gone viral after Matthew Munson posted it online. It's sparking quite a debate. I find it hard not to get a little fired up about this and believe it has a lot to do with the parents not explaining the proper etiquette & behavior to have around a war memorial.

What's your reaction?
Posted in these groups: Memorial day military ipad 2 cases Memorial
Edited 11 y ago
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Responses: 43
SPC Donald Tribble
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Unsupervised children, total parenting fail. Yes it's disrespectful, but the kids wouldn't know that until someone, their parents wherever they are, teaches them.
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CSM Michael J. Uhlig
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I am disgusted at the ignorance of the parents, as is the Veteran being wheeled in the chair.

Take those kids to a playground if they want to play on the monkey bars, this memorial is not a dang jungle gym - this is another insult to all our Vietnam Veterans!
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SSgt Senior It Security Analyst
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Extremely disrespectful! Parents should be ashamed.
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SCPO David Lockwood
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I believe this is disrespect and the parents are to blame for letting this happen. Memorials are to honor those who have served especially those you gave everything. To let you child or children to climb on them is completely unsat. Why aren't these parents teaching these kids why they are there and why we should respect them. I'll tell you why.........because they are idiots and they have no idea why they are there themselves. Hold the parents accountable for their childrens actions.
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CW3 Craig Linghor
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Parents should use this as an opportunity to teach their child how important it is to respect our fallen veterans. It is the same with our holiday i.e. Memorial Day, Independence Day or Veterans Day are not just days to go shopping at the mall. Is there No thought of reflection what so ever?
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SFC Collin McMillion
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Children may not know or have been taught the true meaning of what these symbols stand for, but having a nice private chat with their parents behind the bushes might help the learn.
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SGT Bryon Sergent
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First off I blame the parents, this is appalling. I don't think that the children of this nation should be CRAWLING on any statue. If is at the Zoo and its a turtle fine. This is not a PLAY GROUND. I can remember when the police patrolled this areas and would chastise the parents for this.
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CSM Brigade Operations (S3) Sergeant Major
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Censor
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SSG Information Technology Specialist
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Had to vote up the fact of the censorship....lol
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SFC Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist
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I don't fault the children at all. They are kids being kids. I climbed on anything I could find a handhold on. I like it when I see kids outside doing physical activity rather than just sitting in front of the TV or on their smartphones. Most importantly, I think they are too young to understand the significance of the memorial and their actions.

If I was the parent, that activity would end, at least at that location. It wouldn't just be immediate punishment, though. They would need to be taught why it is important to respect that particular location.

Also, I've seen memorials that had graffiti on them. That is the action of someone that knows what they are doing and intentionally defaces something of value. This is harmless fun from kids that are in need of a history lesson.
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LTC Field Artillery Officer
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11 y
SFC (Join to see) The problem here is the parents were directing it and even laughing at the situation (assuming the article is accurate).
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SFC Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist
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Like I said, I don't fault the children. The parents on the other hand, should know better.
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CPL Jesse Vasconcelos
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Hands down I would lose it. Can't say more.
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