How Disrespectful! Someone Graffitied Carroll Park's World War One Memorial

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The stenciled graffiti of a "Scream" mask on one of the bronze plaques of the Carroll Park World War 1 Memorial in Carroll Gardens must be a new low.  Yes, our park has seen its fair share of graffiti over the years, but defacing a memorial dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives in the service of this country, is so very wrong.
The vandal probably had no idea what the monument stands for, which makes it even sadder.

Here is a bit of a history lesson, so that we may all appreciate the memorial's significance. To parents, please explain to your children that this is NOT o.k. And that starts with scribbling on the memorial with chalk.

From New York City's Parks Department web site:
"The monument consists of an 18-foot tall pink granite stele to which are mounted front and back bronze bas-reliefs of soldiers and sailors, crafted by Brooklyn-born sculptor Eugene H. Morahan (1869-1949). On either side are bronze honor rolls listing those who paid the supreme sacrifice for their country. The frontal image represents a soldier mourning his slain comrades while the rear composition’s central motif is that of a sailor on watch.
A gift to the City, the monument was commissioned by a local committee at a cost of $9,000 and dedicated in 1921. In 1994, as part of a $1.3 million upgrade of Carroll Park and playground, the monument, its sculptural reliefs, and commemorative plaques were fully restored."

I encourage everyone to attend this year's Veterans Day Ceremony in Carroll Park scheduled for November 11 at 11 o'clock.  Not only is the annual ceremony deeply moving, it provides a teachable moment for our children.

Most importantly, let us respect the memory of those who came before us.

***UPDATE: Friday afternoon***
PMFA just received the email bellow from Matt Mazzone of Mazzone Hardware.
"Just saw your article regarding the monument – I can’t express in words how troubling it is that someone could do something with so little regard for what that monument stands for.

I immediately sent over one of our staff members with some “Anti – Graffiti” wipes to see if the fresh paint would easily come off. It appears most of it is/will come off with the wipes. With our Pumpkinfest fast approaching tomorrow, we are all running around a little crazy at the store today, however if the monument should need further attention we will get there as soon as possible to finish taking off the graffiti. Thank you as always for posting and keeping the community informed!"

Thanks for taking care of having the graffiti removed, Matt.  So glad to know that people care.

The photo below shows the monument after Matt's crew was able to remove the graffiti.