CNN
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Vandalism has also occurred at another historic site in the United States: Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania, where a decisive battle of the Civil War took place.

A statement from the National Park Service on August 21 indicated that someone – or more likely several people – had sprayed and scratched graffiti on the War Department observation tower and a large rock nearby over the course of several days.

“We were deeply shocked when these two incidents of vandalism were reported within days of each other,” park ranger Kristina Heister said in a statement. “We were afraid that the graffiti carved into the rocks might still be visible for future generations.”

Fortunately, park staff managed to remove all traces of vandalism.

A photo of the rock before repairs shared on Gettysburg Battlefield social media appears to show the names Jayce and Maddie, a heart and the date 9/13/20 carved into the rock, among other writing.

Heister thanked both the employees who were able to remove the graffiti and the park visitors who alerted her to the damage.

She added that even though the vandalism did not cause any lasting damage, the NPS remains interested in identifying those behind it.

“We cannot do this alone. Vandalism of irreplaceable historic objects and structures that belong to all Americans should be a concern to everyone. We all have a responsibility to protect and care for this special place, and everyone is a steward of Gettysburg’s heritage, history and resources during their visit.”

Vandalism is common in American national parks, as is the public’s request to help catch the culprits.

In 2020, a Canadian man who wrote “Steve & Lacy” on rocks and historic structures in California’s Joshua Tree National Forest turned himself in to police and apologized after an acquaintance saw photos of the graffiti on social media.

Recently, rangers at the Grand Canyon, the second most visited national park in the United States, issued a strong warning against leaving “love locks” hanging on structures in the Arizona park.

The keys that people throw into a body of water after locking the lock not only put stress on these structures, but are also eaten by the endangered California condors that are native to this park. The birds, attracted to shiny objects, become sick after eating the keys and sometimes require surgery.

While many people view “love locks” as a symbol of romance, the NPS views them as graffiti and trash.

“Love is strong,” the Grand Canyon wrote on its Facebook page, “but our bolt cutters are stronger.”