9-11 memorial trashed by vandals is restored
By CAROLINE PRADO
The Orange County Register
A TRIBUTE: Suzy Johnson and her twin children – Alec, left, and Lindsay, both 10 – put a new sign on the fence as part of a 9-11 memorial at Macy Street and Whittier Boulevard in La Habra.LA HABRA – A steady stream of angry residents gathered Tuesday at a Sept. 11 memorial trashed by vandals over the weekend, replacing burned flags and criticizing police for failing to prevent what they believe is a war protest gone too far.
Visitors posted more than 130 flags on a chain-link fence to replace 87 burned Sunday and laid 11 flags where stepping stones decorated by children had been smashed.
They lingered into the evening at the Macy Street and Whittier Boulevard site as passing cars honked horns.
"I have nothing but contempt for people who desecrate a tribute to the people who died," said Dan Brasher, a La Habra resident who brought a flag. "It was a comfort driving by and seeing this symbol here and being able to take pride in our country," resident Roberta Bryant said.
At about 8 p.m., some 25 visitors surrounded a teenage girl who showed up to claim responsibility for burning two flags. They argued until police showed up to question her.
Witnesses say the flag burning occurred about 1:20 a.m. Sunday. It followed problems that brought police to the memorial twice Saturday. At 3 p.m. Saturday, officers interrupted a group of anti- war demonstrators who were rearranging red, white and blue cups - which initially spelled out "Support our troops" in the fence - into an anti-war statement.
The protesters left on their own. Police did not take down their names, saying they viewed the initial incident as a matter of free speech. About 5 p.m. Saturday, police returned when the memorial's caretaker, Whittier resident Tracey Chandler, reported that seven flags had been ripped down....
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