Gainesville veterans memorial vandalized

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office said the vandals hit over the weekend at the Freedom Community Centrer, in Gainesville.  The vandalism is tough for Terry Fitzpatrick to stomach.  “Instant anger,”  the Korean War Veteran said. 

Fitzpatrick explained, “One has to assume they’re not the brightest lights in the harbor. There’s something wrong with people that do that.”

The "Walk Through Time" monument honors people who died while serving in Operations Enduring Freedom & Iraqi Freedom. The names of 14 local service members  who died are on the brick and granite monument.
Korean War Veteran, Eddie Thomas, is disgusted.

“It’s sickening. Nobody should want to do something like that,” Thomas said. “Why destroy something for somebody that gave their lives?”

Alachua County Veterans Services Director Kim Smith said the plan is to fix the monument, which will cost more than $2,000.

“It is disappointing that someone would desecrate a memorial that is to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  Alachua County citizens have always been very supportive of the Veteran Community,” Smith told FOX 35.

Smith said the plans are already in place to renovate the entire monument.  If police find a suspect he or she could face felony charges.

“You’re cowards,” Fitzpatrick said. “That’s what I say. You’re cowards. You definitely do not understand the history of this country.”

If you have information, the Sheriff’s Office asks that you call 352-955-1818.