Theft/Vandalism

Due to all COVID-19 restrictions in place, the event to re-dedicate the replaced items that were damaged during the 12/15/17 “theft/vandalism” incident is being rescheduled and a date will be announced when available.

The pictures attached with this message allow for a visual presentation of the damage done throughout this Memorial.

On December 19, 2017, a Press Release was issued by the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office. This announced the “Reward” of $5,000, from Billy Corey of U.S. Enterprises, Inc. “to anyone who provides information leading to an arrest of the suspects.” As of this message, four individuals have been arrested and are awaiting trial. The $5,000 Reward will be awarded to five individuals who helped obtain these arrests.

Most of the Bronze Items taken (two statues, the globe, multiple 14″x18″ plaques) have been recovered, following being cut up and dumped in a body of water. At this point, we do not know if all recovered items can be refurbished and made whole or it some or all will need to be replaced.

The four individuals caused an estimated $200,000 (maximum) in damage. They stole 1,700+ pounds of Bronze; and, on 12/15/17, it was worth $1.72 per pound. Thus, they may have been able to obtain $2,924 for selling all they stole.

Since 12/1517, we have responded to 1,200+ phone calls, texts, E-Mails and Letters, offering encouragement and/or assistance.

While the County has insurance, that insurance has provided $55,000 “to repair” all pieces recovered.

We do not want to use this attack, on the hollowed ground of the WALK OF HEROES, to raise funds; but, we are going to need to raise funds to: 1. insure all the specific sites, that were damaged, are repaired/replaced/fixed; 2. Accomplish all previously scheduled and needed repairs and maintenance issues throughout the Memorial; 3. Move forward with expansion.

Please find an update to the Theft/Vandalism in an article by The Citizen.

Since the article, Phase 1 of repairing and updating the lighting throughout the Memorial, is completed.

Finally, we are moving toward a “re-dedication ceremony” of the refurbished and installed repair/update of the  Statues/Globe and  Plaques. MORE TO FOLLOW!