“This is a place of respect. It’s a national memorial,” she said.
Normally, she added, she would have applauded a person’s artistic talent but “unfortunately this is just disrespect.”
Kelchner said the park honors the nation’s soldiers who gave their lives so that the people of the CNMI could be free.
She said she sees graffiti on a weekly basis right after the Thursday street market.
They have reported these incidents to the Department of Public Safety, she added.
She said the most recent graffiti has a distinctive style and law enforcers may have leads they could share with the park’s management.
Kelchner believes that one person or group of persons is behind the most recent graffiti person.
“We have a lot of young folks who seem to feel that it is worthwhile to putt rude remarks on these walls,” she said.
She is appealing to parents to help remind their children not to deface or vandalize public or private properties.
Kelchner said an education campaign could help prevent graffiti.
