Eric Adams Shows Support for America. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of vandals who targeted a World War I memorial in Central Park. The memorial, dedicated to the 107th U.S. Infantry, was defaced with graffiti reading “Gaza” and “Palestine will be free” on Monday evening. Adams condemned the act, emphasizing the importance of protecting symbols of freedom and American values.
“In spite of the unpopular notion, I’m going to say it: I love America,” Adams said during a press conference in front of the memorial. “We cannot remain silent when our symbols of freedom are desecrated by individuals who clearly hate our country and way of life. I am not going to remain silent because our silence gives the belief that everything is OK.”
The monument to the 107th Infantry, first dedicated in September 1927, pays tribute to the members of the unit’s Seventh Regiment who were vital in breaking Germany’s Hindenburg Line during the final months of World War I. The Seventh Regiment had an incredibly high casualty count, with 396 men killed and 753 wounded out of 1,662 soldiers who fought. The monument was designed by Karl Illava, who served as a sergeant with the infantry.
“The 107th United States Infantry memorial in Central Park is a symbol of the freedoms so many fought and died for — the same freedoms many are abusing with cowardly acts of vandalism,” Adams said. “We cannot allow these symbols to be desecrated by some in our city wanting to cause chaos and disorder.”
“In spite of the unpopular notion, I’m going to say it: I love America,” Adams said during a press conference in front of the memorial, according to the New York Post.
The mayor added that arresting the individuals responsible for the vandalism was a top priority for the New York Police Department (NYPD), which was running down several leads. New York Crime Stoppers is offering an additional $10,000 reward for information on the vandalism.
A monument honoring Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman, a leader in the Union Army during the Civil War, was also vandalized in Central Park on Monday evening. The anti-Israel protests in New York City were part of an organized “Day of Rage” demonstration that took place near the Met Gala, where celebrities gathered for the annual Costume Institute Benefit. It also fell on Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The vandalism has sparked outrage among local residents and veterans’ groups, who see it as a disrespectful act against those who have served and sacrificed for their country. “It’s absolutely disgusting what they’ve done,” said John Smith, a Vietnam War veteran who visited the memorial on Tuesday. “These people have no idea what it means to fight for freedom and democracy.”
The NYPD is reviewing security footage and working with local community groups to identify the individuals responsible for the vandalism. Adams has also called on local leaders and activists to condemn the act and promote peaceful and respectful forms of protest.
As the investigation continues, the city is working to restore the memorial to its original state. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting and respecting symbols of American history and values, and the need for unity and respect in the face of differing opinions and beliefs.
