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| Drunk Loser Jailed for Vandalizing Vietnam War Memorial |
| 2004-04-20 |
| The 51-year old man suspected of ramming his car three times into the Kennewick Vietnam Veterans Memorial remains in jail while prosecutors decide whether to file charges. WTF? If he had vandalized a Rachel Corrie memorial, the story would lead on all media. There would be candle-light vigils all over the world, idiotarian riots in Berkeley, Ivy League teach-ins, and pious editorials decrying the "hate crime". Darvin E. Grigg was arrested Saturday on suspicion of first-degree malicious mischief. Grigg had an initial appearance Monday in Benton County District Court, where Court Commissioner Craig Stilwell denied bail. Prosecutors have 72 hours to decide whether to file charges. Grigg is accused of driving his white Oldsmobile Cutlass into the memorial at the base of the cable bridge in Kennewick during the night of March 30-31. The monument’s granite marker was damaged beyond repair. It had been etched with names of the 61 Mid-Columbians killed in the Vietnam War. Also damaged was the 18-year-old memorial’s flagpole and fencing. Residents who live near Grigg’s 1909 S. Beech St. home reportedly tipped police when they grew suspicious about a tarp-covered car in front of his house. Nearby residents had little to say Monday about the man who lived in a neighborhood where the American flag is common and where several neighbors who drove past Grigg’s cinderblock duplex wore distinctive ballcaps noting their branch of military service. Little of Grigg’s history was known Monday, as if the "No Trespassing" signs taped to the front windows of his home extended to the front door of his life. He is not a registered voter. He is not listed as a property owner in Benton County. In 1997, drunken driving charges against him were reduced to negligent driving, which he pleaded guilty to and served one day in jail and paid a fine. He also has been ordered to pay money to a creditor. His phone is no longer in service. Steve Prince, who works with several hundred Mid-Columbia veterans in coordinating veteran services and who is state vice president of the Vietnam Veterans of America and treasurer of the local chapter, said he did not know Grigg. Prince said veterans see the vandalism as an attack on them and the 58,000 men and women killed or listed as missing in action during the Vietnam War. Those veterans also want to know why it happened. "I’m like everyone else," Prince said. "I want to know why he did it, if he did." Vietnam veteran Bobby Dale said, "I’m overjoyed they have someone in custody. If this is, indeed, the individual responsible, I hope he is prosecuted to the fullest extent." Veterans and other supporters are about $500 shy of purchasing a new granite marker for the memorial. It is expected to cost $3,595, of which $3,077 has been donated, Dale said. He said Thompson Monument Works of Walla Walla is providing the stone and will engrave the names for free. A meeting is planned for 6 tonight at American Legion in Pasco to discuss the memorial’s restoration. Prince said that planning includes restoring the damaged flagpole, being done by Franklin County PUD, and adding benches and improved electrical connections. Dale said he’s planning a memorial service at the site, although the new marker and other work may be a few months away from completion. "The point is that we’re all there," he said. "It comes from your heart, and not from some stone." |
| Posted by:Atomic Conspiracy |
| #4 When I saw the headline I thought it was about Teddy Kennedy. |
| Posted by: Tibor 2004-04-20 7:34:34 PM |
| #3 Chris, you must be deluded on media coverage. It is far more liberal than conservative, but that is besides the point. I for one do not think Hanoi John served honorably because of his 1971 activities. In my mind and a lot other Viet Vets he dishonored his flag, country and uniform. I also don't think it is too much to ask of him for his complete medical and military records. If he is the hero that is portrayed by his supporters then he should fear nothing. Let's see those records Hanoi John! |
| Posted by: Bill Nelson 2004-04-20 7:33:11 PM |
| #2 Little of Grigg’s history was known Monday, as if the "No Trespassing" signs taped to the front windows of his home extended to the front door of his life. Not a bad paragraph. |
| Posted by: Shipman 2004-04-20 5:27:18 PM |
| #1 The amount of disrespect this shows for the military record of John F. Kerry is very disturbing. The fact that the news media would choose to draw attention to this story only strengthens the belief that the media is controlled by the right-wingers. /LLL |
| Posted by: Chris W. 2004-04-20 3:37:03 PM |