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John Otto Memorial Vandalized Outside Museum of the West

by KREX News Room
by John Dias

Story Created: Sep 19, 2012 at 2:54 PM MDT

Story Updated: Sep 20, 2012 at 9:44 AM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- Grand Junction police are trying to track down whoever put cement over two swastikas engraved into a granite memorial outside the Museum of the West.

Authorities say someone used a concrete-like substance to cover the two symbols carved into a 6,000-pound rock located at 462 Ute Ave. in Grand Junction.

The swastikas were carved into the boulder around 1915 as a memorial to John Otto, who worked to federally protect cliffs and spires in the Colorado National Monument.

The swastika is an ancient sign used for good luck, and museum officials say it was carved into the memorial before the Nazis utilized it.

Officials from the museum say the community has lost a valuable part of its history.

“This tells the history of our area and we have a very rich and colorful history, and what a shame it was vandalized,” said Kay Fiegel, assistant director of the Museum of Western Colorado.

Grand Junction police say the motive is unknown.

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Ann said on Thursday, Sep 20 at 9:18 AM

It was band out of public schools symblizing Hitler...Sad someone destroyed someone's favorite symbol and art...

Micah said on Thursday, Sep 20 at 8:01 AM

Swastika on a historical object gets vandalized and people go ape. Now if you go to Kymwood park in Clifton and look at the posts that surround the park on the north side you will see that 2 swastikas have been burned into the wood itself. This was reported the day after labor day to the police and still every day when kids walk to school they have to walk right past them for all to see. Maybe the vandals should come to Clifton and take care of those swastikas that are there to represent hate in this case. Lord knows the officials that are supposed to take care of problems like this will do nothing as usual.

shawn said on Thursday, Sep 20 at 7:22 AM

Yes please learn your history people. ignorance and infantile minds are whats not needed here. you learn from true history, not making it up as you go.

NOH8 said on Thursday, Sep 20 at 6:32 AM

the swastika is outlawed in Germany and it should be here too, but we have freedom of speech. Hitler gave new meaning to the swastika and it will never have the meaning it used to, NEVER. Take the swastika off the monument, please. It is now a symbol of evil and hatred

concerned said on Wednesday, Sep 19 at 9:33 PM

The so called swastikas , are not swastikas at all. Stupid ignorant people just think that they are, because the do not know history.

David said on Wednesday, Sep 19 at 5:04 PM

It's amazing how someone can be that stupid.

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