Livermore War Memorial Vandalized: Police

LIVERMORE, CA — Police are asking for the public’s help identifying the suspects who vandalized the Livermore War Memorial last month. More than a dozen bricks were pulled off of the beloved memorial sometime between July 27 and July 28, police officials said. The incident was reported on July 29.

When police arrived to take the vandalism report, the bricks had been neatly stacked. Police believe the vandals may have been interrupted and a Good Samaritan likely stacked the bricks after discovering the vandalism. The damage was originally estimated to be about $1,000, according to police. Police do not have any witnesses.

Each brick is engraved with the name of the veteran, their rank, years and branch of service.

Livermore Mayor John Marchand said he is saddened by the destruction.

"The names of members of my family are in that memorial,” Marchand said. “I am deeply shocked and disappointed that someone who has likely never done anything positive for our community would desecrate a monument to those who gave their lives in service to our nation. It is my hope that there is someone would see the injustice and identify the vandals so that they could answer for this despicable act. Someone out there knows and I hope they do the right thing."

East Bay resident John Garfield Reese, who is a Vietnam veteran, member of Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U. S. and VietNam Veterans of Diablo Valley, called the act "shameful and heartless."

"War memorials, regardless of their size … becomes a place of healing and reflection for those who have lost a friend or family member in war," Reese said. "In our community, they also serve as a place of learning and teaching. The brick tiles on this wall provide a way to honor, respect and remember those who served.

"Acts such as this on a memorial leave long lasting emotional damage to the local community, especially to the veterans. War memorials are sacred sites in our communities and this type of incomprehensible acts of disrespect angers saddens and horrifies not only the veterans but also the community members."

In June of 2015, a suspect allegedly defaced the All Wars Memorial in Danville. An 18-year-old man was later arrested and charged with the vandalism.

Full story:

• Danville War Memorial Vandalized, $6500 Reward Offered

In Southern California, a Bay Area tagger is accused of defacing a cherished Vietnam War Memorial in Venice the day before Memorial Day. Angel Castro, 24, faces up to six years in prison if convicted, according to a Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office spokesperson.

Read more:

• Alleged Venice War Memorial Vandal Faces 6 Years If Convicted
  
• Vietnam War Mural in Southern California Vandalized Before Memorial Day
  

The Livermore Veterans Memorial Building is located at 522 S L St. in Livermore. Anyone with information is asked to contact Livermore Police.

Screenshot of Livermore Veterans Memorial Building courtesy Google Maps