Vets’ bell vandalism is ‘horrible act’
When vandals destroyed "Pappy's Bell" at the Veterans Memorial in McEuen Field sometime over the weekend, Sam Taylor said, they shattered a piece of history that has been part of the memorial for decades.
"It's a community tragedy to have this happen this close to Veterans Day," said Taylor, the deputy city administrator. "Something like this happening so close to the day our veterans will be at the plaza to be honored for their service to the country is rough."
On the morning of Monday, Oct. 24, Taylor said a parks department employee discovered "Pappy's Bell," which was donated to the city by the father of local veteran Jim Shepherd in the 1950s, had been substantially damaged by vandals. Taylor said at this point it is unknown if the 350-pound bell can be repaired, and estimated the damage at more than $15,000.
"This is a horrible act and we're very sad to see it happen," Taylor added/Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.
