Never Forget What?

A convenience store owner in the Bronx finds that Sept. 11 murals don’t prevent graffiti like they used to:

A mural paying tribute to those who died on September 11, 2001 was hit with graffiti vandalism recently, prompting an outcry by local elected officials, community leaders and residents.

A side wall of the Bronx Convenience store at 674 Allerton Avenue features a large mural honoring those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center . It showcases a flowing American Flag, the Twin Towers and the message “God Bless America” in large block letters.

Despite the patriotic symbols and words of affection for the country, an unidentified graffiti vandal or vandals tagged the mural recently, spraying yellow paint over it.

Ali Monesar, an owner of the convenience store, said he commissioned a local mural artist four years ago to paint the tribute to the victims and heroes of the 9/11 tragedy. He said the artist specifically indicated in the lower corner of the mural that the artwork was designed as a memorial to those who perished in the attacks. It reads, “Please respect, no tags.” The mural managed to avoid graffiti tags for the past few years, but someone decided to destroy the mural in recent weeks.