LANSING – State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) today announced her support of a House plan to honor our veterans and protect their legacy from acts of vandalism. The legislation, introduced in the House this week and now headed for the House Judiciary Committee, cracks down on destroying or vandalizing war memorials. The plan makes it a felony to destroy or vandalize any war memorial and creates new penalties for vandals.
"This Veterans Day, people across our state are preparing to honor the legacy of the brave men and women who devoted their lives to protecting our freedom," Ebli said. "Protecting memorials to our fallen heroes is just one way to pay homage to those who have sacrificed so much for our country."
Ebli, the daughter of a World War II veteran and married to a Vietnam veteran, is a member of VFW Post 1138, Ladies Auxiliary.
"Military service has been an important part of my own family's heritage," Ebli said. "It's appalling that we would need any laws to protect memorials dedicated to our veterans – but as the past memorial desecration in Monroe's Veterans Park shows, we do need laws to crack down on individuals who would commit these despicable acts. This House plan will ensure that anyone who violates the memory of our heroes will have to pay for their crime."