A somber memorial has been turned into a political sideshow this week — and tempers are rising.

The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., has become a victim of the government shutdown, drawing attention-hungry lawmakers (and the media) throughout the week to a quiet place where respect is paid to honor those who had died serving their country — and the commotion is frustrating veterans and the volunteers who help them.

“I’m pissed off,” said Gary Kelch, a furloughed federal employee and a veteran who was visiting the memorial. “It’s all just political theatrics. I don’t mind being furloughed if it gets attention [from Congress]. I’m good with losing a couple weeks of pay. But this is disgusting.”

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