Police investigate vandalism of swastikas

Grand Junction police are investigating after two swastikas carved on a granite memorial outside a museum were vandalized.

Authorities say someone used a concrete-like substance to cover over the two swastikas carved into a 6,000-pound rock that was placed in front of the Museum of the West.

The swastikas were carved into the boulder about 1915 as a memorial to John Otto, who worked for federal protection for the cliffs and spires in the Colorado National Monument.

According to the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel (http://tinyurl.com/9bzubca ), the motive is not known.

The swastika is an ancient symbol frequently used for good luck, but it is also a symbol used by Nazis.