VANDALS DESECRATE MEMORIAL TO WORLD WAR II SOLDIERS IN WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON, AUGUST 14 /SRNA - RIA Novosti/ - Vandals desecrated part of a memorial complex dedicated to U.S. soldiers who served in World War II by spraying it with paint, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported.

The vandals spray-painted graffiti on an arched wall. They also poured soap into a fountain, causing it to quickly fill with foam.

Police officers and National Guard personnel are now guarding the site. The damaged wall has been cordoned off with police tape.

The memorial complex, located on the National Mall in Washington down town, has 56 columns on either side of an oval plaza, symbolizing the U.S. states and territories. A fountain is located in the center, while triumphal arches and pavilions surround the plaza.