For Second Day, Veterans Break Past Barricades at World War II Memorial

Crystal Goodremote / October 02, 2013

Another day, another confrontation at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Yesterday, a group of veterans with Honor Flight were waiting to get into their memorial after police had blocked entry. Eventually, the group knocked down the barricades in front of the memorial.

Today, the Obama administration is continuing the shutdown and adding even more barricades.

Park police putting up new “closed” signs on #WWIIMemorial. Honor Flight rep says “we’ll get in.” pic.twitter.com/S7m752N8OF

— Leo Shane III (@LeoShane) October 2, 2013

Live from the WWII memorial where park officials are setting up more gates and tape to block visitors pic.twitter.com/XkzBTWFMEE — Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) October 2, 2013

But the veterans, along with supporters aren’t planning on leaving anytime soon.

RT @LeoShane: Huge crowd at the #WWIImemorial, and the honor flight vets aren’t here yet. pic.twitter.com/cjDoMikNqM

— AllMilitaryNews (@AllMilitaryNews) October 2, 2013

As the first veterans arrived, they proved that the barricades are not strong enough to hold back America’s heroes.

First vet is here pic.twitter.com/OPBahzMJn5

— Betsy Woodruff (@woodruffbets) October 2, 2013

And they’re in again. #WWIIMemorial #shutdown pic.twitter.com/S6IOwB1oCT

— Leo Shane III (@LeoShane) October 2, 2013

The saga is playing out in the shadow of the White House, which reportedly did nothing to assist the veterans.

Prior to their visit yesterday, Representative Steven Palazoo’s (R-MS) office sent a request to the White House and the Department of the Interior about the World War II veterans, most of whom were traveling with Honor Flight Network. The Daily Caller reported Palazoo’s request was denied.

Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization that transports America’s veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit at their memorials.