Us Code § 1369 - Destruction of veterans' memorials

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 1369 — Destruction of veterans' memorials, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1369. Destruction of veterans' memorials

(a) Whoever, in a circumstance described in subsection (b), willfully injures or destroys, or attempts to injure or destroy, any structure, plaque, statue, or other monument on public property commemorating the service of any person or persons in the armed forces of the United States shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.

(b) A circumstance described in this subsection is that—

(1) in committing the offense described in subsection (a), the defendant travels or causes another to travel in interstate or foreign commerce, or uses the mail or an instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce; or

(2) the structure, plaque, statue, or other monument described in subsection (a) is located on property owned by, or under the jurisdiction of, the Federal Government.

(Added Pub. L. 108–29, §2(a), May 29, 2003, 117 Stat. 772.)


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title of 2003 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–29, §1, May 29, 2003, 117 Stat. 772, provided that: "This Act [enacting this section and provisions set out as a note under section 109 of Title 23, Highways] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act of 2003'."

CHAPTER 67—MILITARY AND NAVY

Sec.
1381.
Enticing desertion and harboring deserters.
1382.
Entering military, naval, or Coast Guard property.
[1383.
Repealed.]
1384.
Prostitution near military and naval establishments.
1385.
Use of Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force as posse comitatus 1

        

1386.
Keys and keyways used in security applications by the Department of Defense.
1387.
Demonstrations at cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration and at Arlington National Cemetery.
1388.
Prohibition on disruptions of funerals of members or former members of the Armed Forces.
1389.
Prohibition on attacks on United States servicemen on account of service.

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title X, §1045(b), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1905, substituted "Use of Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force as posse comitatus" for "Use of Army and Air Force as posse comitatus" in item 1385.

2009—Pub. L. 111–84, div. E, §4712(b), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2843, added item 1389.

2006—Pub. L. 109–464, §1(b), Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3481, added item 1388.

Pub. L. 109–228, §3(b), May 29, 2006, 120 Stat. 389, added item 1387.

1991—Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title X, §1090(b), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1486, added item 1386.

1990—Pub. L. 101–647, title XXXV, §3547, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4926, struck out item 1383 "Restrictions in military areas and zones".

1956—Act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §18(b), 70A Stat. 626, added item 1385.

1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a period.

About This Section

18 U.S.C. § 1369 is part of Title 18 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 1369

What does United States Code § 1369 cover?

Section 1369 ("Destruction of veterans' memorials") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

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