VANDALS STRIKE "EL SOLDADO" MEMORIAL

SACRAMENTO, CA -- Vandals struck the heart of Mexican American pride as a portion of the "El Soldado" memorial statue was broken over the July 11th weekend.  At present the California Highway Patrol is investigating who could have done damage to the national treasure.

Since the monument sits on State government property, the CHP is responsible for conducting the investigation.

"At present, we don't have any clues or information about who could have done this," said Pedro Hernandez, who has been heading up efforts to restore and beautify the memorial.  "We hope to have more information as the CHP conducts the investigation."

The "El Soldado" monument was established by the mothers and wives of Mexican American soldiers who lost their lives during World War II.  Since then, the monument has been the center of recognition for all Latinos who have lost their lives in war, protecting America.