How would you react to seeing people dishonoring a veterans memorial?

2015-03-25T05:17:05-04:00

To me, this is more sad than stolen valor. Apparently this couple in Wichita, KS thought it would be funny or cute to post pictures of themselves dishonoring the statues at a memorial to Vietnam Vets on their Facebook page. According to the news article, there have been death threats made against them. Had I witnessed this act in person I probably would have said something to them to show my displeasure, and they would have probably just shrugged it off. But I derive much more pleasure in knowing they have so hap-hazardly set themselves up for serious ridicule on such a grand scale. I do not really wish for anyone to bring serious harm to them, let alone death, but I DO believe they need to realize the seriousness of their actions. I cannot help but wonder if there isn't some law or statute on the books by which they could be prosecuted. I would think that as a minimum they could be facing a fine. Many of us have lost friends and loved ones who were serving, and these kinds of actions only add to further insult our great Vietnam Vets who received such a wonderfully warm welcome home when they returned from their duty in Vietnam. God Bless our Vietnam Vets! If it weren't for them, my personal skill set would have been lacking a lot as I came up in the ranks. I am proud and feel honored to have served with so many magnificent guys who sacrificed a portion of their own souls in Southeast Asia. Thank YOU for YOUR service from the bottom of my heart.

And, of course, I am deeply and profoundly proud of our Vets who have come after the Vietnam era folks as well. I am very sad when I see any level of disrespect toward our young warriors and I cannot help but to take it personally. I love our kids who are laying it on the line for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

http://www.kwch.com/news/local-news/pictures-from-veterans-memorial-park-getting-backlash/31830370

Pictures from Veterans Memorial park getting backlash

"I was totally disturbed, disgusted," said Jerri Keith. "I can't believe the disrespect."

Response by SGT Tyler G. made Mar 25 at 2015 5:28 AM

2015-03-25T05:28:56-04:00

I would react with a downtrodden shake of my head. Followed by a look of disgust directed towards them. And then I'd probably carry on, because despite how disrespectful it is, there is nothing technically illegal or unconstitutional about it as far as I'm aware.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 6:47 AM

2015-03-25T06:47:50-04:00

All I will say is don't ever let me catch someone doing something disrespectful like this!!!!

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Mar 25 at 2015 10:24 AM

2015-03-25T10:24:30-04:00

Negatively, as would we all. But the couple has been held to account and has apologized. Why hold on to the anger?

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/the-culture-of-outrage?n=550370&urlhash=550370

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Mar 25 at 2015 10:27 AM

2015-03-25T10:27:11-04:00

Tell them it is disrespectful, shake my head at their collective lack of common sense and press.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Mar 25 at 2015 10:28 AM

2015-03-25T10:28:33-04:00

Obvious failure to discipline when these two were younger. Whether you agree with something or not, you should be expected to respect memorials for those who are dead and gone.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Mar 25 at 2015 10:59 AM

2015-03-25T10:59:10-04:00

I think what hurts them more is their apologizes. You can tell just by reading them the only reason they came out and said "I'm sorry" is because they got caught. Beyond what this and other memorials represent, a lot of people spend a lot of time and money to honor Veterans with these bronze statues. There is a long process that goes into the planning, desigining and building of these memorials. Not only did these two idiots disrespect every one that served in support of combat operations in Vietnam but they extended that disrespect to the entire city of Wichita and all the men and women that worked so hard to bring this memorial to be. Keep in mind, memorials can't be built until at least 10 years after the conflict is deemed officially over, hence why there are no Post 9/11 Memorials yet. The ongoing actions around the world to combat terrorism call under the same general order that was used for us to enter Afghanistan and to invade Iraq.

While I don't agree with people getting death threats, I have to say I'm not surprised. What did they think would happen when they posted these pictures? Yet another lesson on why people need to know that whatever you post online is not really "your's" any more.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Mar 25 at 2015 11:13 AM

2015-03-25T11:13:04-04:00

I see one person that likes eating buggers, even bronzed ones....and 1 person that is turned on by a man in uniform and can't get serviced except by statue. BOTH are in poor taste. She could probably go hang out at bars just outside a military base, right after a 30 day field problem and get her servicing taken care of...him....he has issues. I suspect that the MOST they could be charged with if caught would be something like disorderly conduct. Last I knew there were no laws on the books for just being STUPID. Sad pair. They deserve each other.

Response by Cpl Tim Palmer made Mar 25 at 2015 11:55 AM

2015-03-25T11:55:37-04:00

Very disrespectful. I would have to have a few words with them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 12:24 PM

2015-03-25T12:24:52-04:00

No guards here I presume???

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 1:14 PM

2015-03-25T13:14:35-04:00

I would have come forward and expressed my opinion on what they were doing is disrespectful and asked them to stop what they were doing.

Response by SPC David S. made Mar 25 at 2015 1:47 PM

2015-03-25T13:47:13-04:00

I think if its a women I might pursue legal action by using local disturbing the peace laws.

When a person's words or conduct jeopardizes others right to peace and tranquility, he or she may be charged with disturbing the peace.

Now if its a guy I would more than likely just jerk their ass off the memorial and "explain it" to them.

Just more proof that some need to learn respect the hard way.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 25 at 2015 1:49 PM

2015-03-25T13:49:14-04:00

I would strongly recommend no one do such a thing near where I am present. Probably won't end well!

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 25 at 2015 1:55 PM

2015-03-25T13:55:27-04:00

I went to these people's Facebook pages. They live in Wichita, KS which I know very well. I actually forgot their names because they are NOTHING. They are insignificant parcels of animal feces at this point in their lives. Even if they hated the military and ignored the politicians who are the real shit birds they should know that society frowns upon this behavior especially when it comes from middle aged adults. Often, conduct like this either prevent folks from getting jobs or keep the one they have.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 2:04 PM

2015-03-25T14:04:25-04:00

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 2:08 PM

2015-03-25T14:08:20-04:00

If might just put these combatives to work

Response by PFC Chip Des made Mar 25 at 2015 2:55 PM

2015-03-25T14:55:53-04:00

I AGREE!!!!!

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Mar 25 at 2015 3:00 PM

2015-03-25T15:00:35-04:00

I certainly would not stand by and watch it and do nothing.

I would, initially, simply ask them to stop and, if they did not, would demand that they stop. I may (or may not) stop short of getting into an altercation with them if they refused to stop, but, I would not simply walk away. At the very least, I would call the Police and lodge a complaint. I believe most police departments/police personnel would make them stop, if not charge them with disorderly conduct, trespassing or something.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Mar 25 at 2015 3:38 PM

2015-03-25T15:38:10-04:00

Response by Sgt Adam Jennings made Mar 25 at 2015 3:52 PM

2015-03-25T15:52:29-04:00

Since those are adults and not kids, I would most likely go to jail for what those two are doing in te pictures.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 25 at 2015 6:26 PM

2015-03-25T18:26:38-04:00

I think reciprocating the action would give them a dose of reality they deserve.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 6:28 PM

2015-03-25T18:28:03-04:00

They might want to behave differently if I am around. That is utterly disrespectful and disgusting, they should really be ashamed of themselves for their behavior and actions. Is this how we pay our respects to things that are ment to honor those that sacrificed everything to protect our country? I think not! They might want to act like they have some kind of home training.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 6:28 PM

2015-03-25T18:28:23-04:00

I read the apologizes. I want to believe that they are sincere, but I don't.

It took forethought to climb on the statues, take the pictures, and post them.

Hopefully, they will follow through on their own suggestions by visiting the VFW or VA. Maybe this "public shaming" will lead them to a new appreciation of our veterans, that presently, they lack.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 6:37 PM

2015-03-25T18:37:27-04:00

Good thing I wasn't there to see this. I swear, I would kick some ass if I ever saw this happening. How can these pricks think this is funny? These are Federal property and I can only hope they are fined or have the shit slapped out of them. After I cool down, I'll tell you what I really think.

Response by MSgt Allan Vrboncic made Mar 25 at 2015 10:10 PM

2015-03-25T22:10:39-04:00

What they did was very disrespectful and disgraceful. Apparently they have never served in the military.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 10:47 PM

2015-03-25T22:47:16-04:00

There's ignorant people everywhere. These folks just don't have the intestinal fortitude to try that on a live vet

Response by SPC Donald Tribble made Mar 25 at 2015 11:10 PM

2015-03-25T23:10:11-04:00

I would say something, it wouldn't be pretty either.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Mar 25 at 2015 11:28 PM

2015-03-25T23:28:13-04:00

It proves we have done our job and protected their right to free expression. That they used those rights to prove themselves to be insulting morons should be even more of a source of pride for us. In other countries they might face a violent oppressive ending. Here they are safe to do this, and we get to use our freedom of expression to let them know how offensive they are. We have those rights because we did our jobs.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 9:58 AM

2015-03-26T09:58:10-04:00

Here is another picture of a Memorial being desicrated by kids who's parents encouraged it. Notice the look on the veteran visitor.
Matthew Munson was visiting the memorial when some parents encouraged their children to climb on the memorial for a picture.
“There wasn’t a lot of people at this point,” Munson said. “Then a big group of people showed up just as the kids were treating the memorial more like a jungle gym and the parents were laughing. Then the veterans showed up, and they looked hurt more than angry. They were quiet.”

Munson continued, “That’s when I noticed a big group around the parents glaring at them, the pressure was intense and the kids blissfully ignorant. That’s when I snapped the picture. I tried getting a good shot of the crowd and the parents too but no luck. Kids jumped down and skittered off with their parents.

Yeah, the culture is broken when people don’t recognize how they should behave in public spaces. It’s completely corrupted when they encourage anti-social behavior in their children.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 10:06 AM

2015-03-26T10:06:50-04:00

Nothing is sacred to some folks. Absolutely shameful behavior. I hope they are reminded of their poor decision making skills on a daily basis. I would have absolutely said something. I'm amazed no one around them did.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 10:24 AM

2015-03-26T10:24:40-04:00

This is just another disgusting display of ignorance, unpatriotic, disturbed actions taken by some Americans. We unfortunately defend their right to be so flipping disgusting. Had I been there, well, there might have been an additional story about how a Veteran named Veronica beat that little girl senseless for her dumbass acts. Ooops, getting a little angry. Might need to take a break from this one. Lol

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Mar 26 at 2015 11:52 AM

2015-03-26T11:52:16-04:00

I was raised in the South Pacific on an Army base called Kwajalein. It was isolated, and mostly non military. When we had medical issues that couldn't be handled by the limited medical facilities on the island, we had to fly to Honolulu HI to seek medical help there. This gave us something that I hold dear even twenty years since the last time I was on that island. We were able to go to the U.S.S. Arizona memorial on several occassions. It is a moving place. There is very little if any conversation. People are more respectful there than at any other venue I have been to. The behavior in these images is unthinkable for such a place.
It is unthinkable that someone would climb on the Vietnam War Memorial. Between these images, and the image of the woman flinging the bird at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, it makes me wonder what people are thinking.
Both of my grandfathers served in WWII. My great uncles served in WWII. My uncle served in Vietnam. I would never think to dishonor their memory, or the memory of all those who were lost by doing something like this.
What is worse, it is not just people like this couple, the link I am including is to an article about "parents" who let their child climb on the Vietnam Women's Memorial.

http://wreg.com/2015/03/25/photo-of-children-climbing-on-vietnam-womens-memorial-goes-viral/

Memorials serve to honor those who have sacrificed to make this nation great, honor those who have sacrificed in defense of this nation, or commemorate events which have for better or for worse shaped this nation into what it is. They may not be holy ground, but they are certainly sacred ground, and should be treated as such. This behaviour is deplorable.

Sorry for the rant.

People upset about children climbing on Vietnam Women's Memorial

The photo sparked a debate about how children should act around memorials

Response by PO1 Ron Clark made Mar 26 at 2015 11:53 AM

2015-03-26T11:53:55-04:00

I know I would initially lose it, as I am blessed enough to have several brothers who did survive Nam, and couldnt help but want to defend the ones who did not return. First action call SP/MP/AP or civilian police to report the desecration of a monument just for starters. Then attempt to press upon the desecrators of the immoral turpitude that they were committing against the very people who fought so hard for their freedoms and rights to live. Then I would probably just wound up leaving as this could become a knock-out brawl if they didnt stop.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Mar 26 at 2015 12:10 PM

2015-03-26T12:10:00-04:00

It would take every ounce of control NOT to jerk a knot in both of their asses!

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 26 at 2015 1:31 PM

2015-03-26T13:31:55-04:00

Send this to FOX news. Give the oxygen thieves a chance to explain themselves on national TV.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Mar 26 at 2015 9:41 PM

2015-03-26T21:41:52-04:00

These photos are showing up more and more. What a damn shame. Apparently Americans have lost their way so all I can say is:

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 6:09 PM

2015-03-27T18:09:10-04:00

That lady if you want to call her that, found the only date that would put up with her.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 7:53 PM

2015-03-27T19:53:25-04:00

I would more than likely have lost my mind. Damned douchebags. I love America but I hate what her people have become. Sorry if that offends anyone, but that's just how I feel.

Response by MSgt Robert Pellam made Mar 27 at 2015 8:52 PM

2015-03-27T20:52:30-04:00

First of all this upsets me, but I would have asked them Politely to stop. And then, if permitted, would have explained to them why I felt the way I did. It is our responsibility to explain to people our feelings and culture when they do not understand it. If they didn't comply or said something rude, I would walk away. That is there right to be dumb asses.

What also pisses me off is that military members I served have the total loss of baring to commit death threats, to threaten personal harm, to abandon every military principal passed down and want to hate and hurt these individuals.

What gives you the right to threaten an Americans life! Read the damn oath you took! You know who threatens and kills people for not believing in their culture. ISIS. You are no better then that piece of crap on the other side of the Earth that bully and kill because someone doesn't believe what they do. Shame on you!

One thing about the military culture is the honor in which we believe in. The very Honor those monuments stand for. I look through this post and see some classless people. I see people that disappoint me. Your words don't become a defender of freedom. Your words support a Totalitarian government which removes the rights of its people to say or do anything against the government.

Yea these people are dumb. But I have lost more respect for some military individuals now then I have these two nit wits.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 10:13 PM

2015-03-27T22:13:06-04:00

I'd take a plea deal. Disorderly Conduct. Pay fines and court costs.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 10:16 PM

2015-03-27T22:16:36-04:00

I think they deserve what's coming to them. They're already famous, much like the female famous for her Arlington National Cemetery photo. Their apology was pretty pathetic if you ask me.

I would have a hard time not doing something that would end me up in jail if I came across such behavior.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2015 12:24 AM

2015-03-28T00:24:58-04:00

I would do the same in kind to them. Or a punch to the throat.

Response by SP5 Richard Maze made Mar 29 at 2015 10:30 PM

2015-03-29T22:30:17-04:00

No question it is disrespectful and inappropriate. If I see something like this happening, I quietly but firmly tell say something to them. Making a scene or getting in an argument with them doesn't seem necessary and is also a breach of decorum for a solemn memorial. Some suggest calling the police, but I don't really see the posing couple waiting around long enough get arrested.

Response by SFC Edward Sneed made Mar 30 at 2015 8:27 PM

2015-03-30T20:27:30-04:00

They're adults, not kids or teens. You'd think they would know better. It's a shame that people have lost their minds, and think that it's alright to do stuff like this. They get away with defaming the American flag, now they want to degrade the memorials that are dear to us veterans and soldiers. I really hope someone said something to them and that they took those pics down and destroyed them. Now, everybody is going to think it's OK to do this. SMH

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Apr 1 at 2015 10:10 PM

2015-04-01T22:10:10-04:00

I might get in a little trouble if I see something like this.

Response by SGT Kenneth Goode made Apr 13 at 2015 12:09 AM

2015-04-13T00:09:37-04:00

Is this bad? Yes. Is this disrespecting our vets? Yes. Its this act deserving death threats...No. If this had happened in ISIS controlled territory or in Iran or several other places on the face of the earth....yeah the couple would of already been dead. And those freedoms are what we put our lives on the line for. The freedom to live how we want, to say what we want, and to do what we want. Even the freedom for people to post pics showing what a total waste of human flesh they are, so stupid that their parents should be bytchslap for breeding such idiots, etc. God bless America.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 5:14 PM

2015-04-13T17:14:32-04:00

Personally I would love to kick there asses....but we all know that won't help. They need to be taught that these heroes deserve respect!!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 9:12 PM

2015-04-13T21:12:29-04:00

Some one needs to kick them both in the teeth,throat,head,balls, and the female genital area, a$$ holes.

Response by Sgt Robert Jolley made Apr 14 at 2015 6:09 PM

2015-04-14T18:09:07-04:00

What freedoms did we fight for? Some or all? It is rude and inconsiderate, but there is no law against being rude and inconsiderate. Suck it up and move on.

Response by SSG Todd Lysfjord made Apr 15 at 2015 12:06 AM

2015-04-15T00:06:12-04:00

I'd be going to jail for a few days after my reaction to this had I witnessed it...sorry.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 6 at 2015 6:18 AM

2015-06-06T06:18:21-04:00

If my wife weren't with me my urge to throat punch would be uncontainable.