Garland County Veterans Memorial Fundraiser to help combat costs of vandalism to the site

HOT SPRINGS, Ark.- Hot Springs residents gather for a fundraising event to help raise funds for the Garland County Veterans Memorial that has repeatedly been vandalized this year.

“It’s just it’s something that normal people who have respect for our veterans wouldn’t think about doing but it happened,” Garland County Veterans Memorial Tom Wilkins said.

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According to Wilkins, since the start of 2024, there have been three occasions of vandalism at the memorial.

“We had some individuals come by and think it’s kind of funny to steal the flags and to bend the polls over and break them, and sometimes they get shoved into the tank that is down there,” Wilkins said.

Standing tall is the statue of Adam Brown, a statue that represents all fallen heroes.

Adam’s father, Larry Brown, who is also a veteran, was one of the guest speakers at the fundraising event. He says he doesn’t understand why people would do this.

“We try to stress the fact that just Adam’s statue there that’s not just for Adam that is for that’s for everyone and we memorialize everyone that served especially those that serve and didn’t come back,” Larry Brown said.

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According to Wilkins, vandalism has become costly.

“Well, it’s just that every time a flag is disrespected and stolen, the flags can easily cost $200,” Wilkins said. We want to bring back something called patriotism.”

The governor’s color guard opened the fundraiser with Homeland and Liberty musical productions and community speakers, such as families of fallen veterans.

“It’s very gratifying to see people appreciate what veterans have done for this country,” Brown said.

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