Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon landed himself in hot water this week after a post he made seemingly confused Veterans Day with Memorial Day.
Gascon, who served 3 years in the United States Army as a police officer before receiving an honorable discharge, tweeted out a statement about Memorial Day.
“When I was 18 years old, I joined the United States Army. I’d like to wish everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend as we reflect on and remember those who have served our country.”
In the statement DA Gascon referenced those who “served” the country instead of specifically the brave soldiers who died for this nation
It didn’t take long for a large group of upset veterans and conservatives to express their anger and disappointment. They were upset with Gascon as both a public representative as well as a veteran.
Celebrity Pastor and Podcaster Timothy Alden responded, “Wrong holiday, Veterans Day is in November. Memorial Day is when we honor those who paid the ultimate price, their lives.”
“As a former Drill Sargent in the Army I am embarrassed that you don’t recognized that this National Holiday is to remember those who paid the ultimate price in service of this great country. Veterans Day is November 11th. As a Veteran you should know this,” said user @MetalHead42 Mark Tilley.
Republican Congressman and former US Navy pilot Mike Garcia asked, “Are you a ghost? If not, you have the wrong holiday @GeorgeGascon. Veterans Day is in November. This weekend we honor those who didn’t make it home. It’s not hard. Neither is recognizing the difference between felonies and misdemeanors.”
And Twitter user @LolaforPLHLA tweeted back, “Enough. Somebody has to start proofreading these. Veteran’s Day we enjoy. Memorial Day we honor the fallen. How u can serve and not know that is astounding. What’s next? Will you be wishing someone a great Good Friday or a Joyous Yom Kippur????”
Gascon has been widely criticized in his stint as Los Angeles DA for his policy of barring his own deputy district attorneys from seeking cash bail in criminal cases. His policy has coincided with a crime wave in the city.
Gascon is currently facing a recall effort in the city. The effort has collected more than 450,000 signatures of the 566,857 signatures, 10% of registered voters, it needs to force a recall.
Gascon is clearly in trouble for a number of things. While the post is offensive, the crime wave in Los Angeles has done significant damage to a once popular tourism hotspot. Do you think the people of LA will let Gascon stay in office for another term? Are you offended by what he said?
