World War II Veterans Don’t Let Shutdown Interrupt Visit to Memorial

Crystal Goodremote / October 01, 2013

Rene Mattes/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom

Storming the beaches of Normandy was the real battle. But World War II veterans proved today that they may be retired, but they are not done fighting.

As part of the federal government shutdown, all national parks are closed today, including the World War II Memorial. At least it was, until a group of veterans decided to knock over the government-imposed barrier.

Here’s a look at what happened:

Honor flight vets just knocked over the barriers at the WWII memorial to get inside, #shutdown or no. pic.twitter.com/T4bx8kvFYj

— Leo Shane III (@LeoShane) October 1, 2013

“What do I do, boss?” #WWIIMemorial http://t.co/OwNpGVZUpK — Mike Forbes (@forbesmm) October 1, 2013

Liberty prevails: Veterans storm closed World War II Memorial http://t.co/epU5RoXIUx #tcot #tlot #govshutdown #shutdown #WWII #military

— Jessica Chasmar (@JessicaChasmar) October 1, 2013

Proud of Story Co, IA #WWII veterans at the Memorial. They were locked out. We opened it 4 God Bless them. pic.twitter.com/rdIUwx5Uqh — Steve King (@SteveKingIA) October 1, 2013

Story Co, IA #WWII, Korean, & Vietnam vets at newly opened Memorial in DC. God Bless ’em all. pic.twitter.com/vu7swKkDcH

— Steve King (@SteveKingIA) October 1, 2013

Representative Steve King (R-IA) said that the government should keep the memorial open during the government shutdown. But if it doesn’t, he said during a press call Tuesday that he will fight for the veterans who want to visit.

#IMAGE: #WWII #HonorFlight vets knock down barriers spitefully set up at #WWIIMemorial. #greatestgenerationrocks pic.twitter.com/GAHsboTydr — FlyoverCulture.com (@FlyoverCulture) October 1, 2013

Open to … pretty much anyone, now. #WWIIMemorial http://t.co/vjC7CmYyLS

— Mike Forbes (@forbesmm) October 1, 2013

#HonorVets Honor Flight #Veterans at DC #WWII Memorial after knocking down #Shutdown Barriers (@RepAlanNunnelee vid) https://t.co/LqO8lMyEfU

— Loxodonta solitarius (@Loxodonta_s) October 1, 2013