Veterans Attorney David Magann Decries War Memorial Vandalism in Florida

Tampa, FL (Law Firm Newswire) May 19, 2016 – Police are investigating after vandals damaged part of a war memorial at Veterans Memorial Park near Gainesville, Florida.

They smashed a pillar commemorating members of the U.S. military who died in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The monument is part of the Walk Through Time veterans memorial honoring those who were killed during various conflicts throughout history. It starts with the American Revolution and ends with the now-damaged pillar dedicated to Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Each brick stacked atop the pillars represents 1,000 deaths.

“It is hard to see how the structure could have been broken by accident. The damage seems to be deliberate,” said David Magann, a Florida veterans attorney. “It is disappointing that people would desecrate a monument dedicated to people who gave their lives for their country. The memorial is a meaningful reminder of the many sacrifices of our nation’s veterans.”

Prior to the vandalism the entire Walk Through Time memorial was scheduled to undergo renovation in the near future. However, authorities reported repairing the monument will cost over $2,000. Jim Lynch, a member of the Alachua County Veterans Memorial Committee, said the group is welcoming donations for fixing the pillar. They are also hoping to install security cameras in the park as the latest incident is not the only act of vandalism the Walk Through Time memorial has experienced.

According to investigators, the vandalism most likely occurred between late night on April 9 and early morning on April 10 as the damage was reported that day. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident and looking for suspects. Spokesman Art Forgey told The Gainesville Sun that deputies have not determined how many people were involved. There is no security camera footage of the park section in which the veterans memorial is located.

Learn more at http://www.tampaveteranslawyer.com/ David W. Magann, P.A. Main Office: 156 West Robertson Street Brandon, FL 33511 Call: (813) 657-9175 Tampa Office: 18715 N Dale Mabry Hwy Lutz, FL 33548