(TheRedWire.com) – Artwork and statues depicting America’s heroes from World War II are prominent all across America. Perhaps no single representation of World War II is as powerful as the imagery of Marines raising the American flag at Iwo Jima. Recently, in Salem, Oregon, a local business owner commissioned an artist to paint the rendition on the side of his building, which is on private property.
When a single individual filed a complaint with the city over the artwork, the mayor ordered the memorial to veterans past and present removed from the building. If the business doesn’t remove the artwork, the city could fine the owner $200 per day, or the city could remove it free of charge and donate it to a local art group.
A petition against the move already has 7,000 signatures.https://t.co/QqivAywyCC
— Raheem J. Kassam (@RaheemKassam) January 2, 2022
Over 9,000 people signed a petition to save the mural. Organizers say they want to bring awareness to residents about how the mayor and city council harass local business owners who wish to make the city a better place to live through art and good deeds. The mayor claims to support art as a board member of the local theater and the local Council for the Humanities.
The city could choose to give an exemption or make an allowance for the mural. Supporters say that considering the quality and content of the art and the fact that it’s on private property, it’s in everyone’s best interest.
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