Veterans Memorial at Fountain Park vandalized for third time

LEESBURG, Fla. — The Veterans Memorial at Fountain Park has barely been open a year, but already it's been targeted by vandals on three separate occasions.

The most recent incident happened just before veterans gathered at the memorial to honor veterans of the Korean War.

The memorial sits on Fountain Lake, a quiet place of reflection where families gather to honor and remember veterans.

The idea that someone would disrespect the memorial is hard to understand for many locals.

A curving wall is covered with names of soldiers, sailors, airman and Marines who served their country and called Lake County home.

"These names, these people paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom," said veteran’s son Brad Glessner.

Sometime late last week, someone did thousands of dollars in damage.

It's the second time the veterans' memorial has been vandalized, and after the first incident, there were cameras posted to alert people that there are several security cameras in place.

Leesburg police said they are looking at surveillance video in the hopes of identifying the person or people who vandalized the memorial.

The people who raised money to build the tribute to those who wore the uniform said they intend to press charges, if nothing else, out of respect for the people who names line the walls.

"They deserve better. They deserve a lot better," said Glessner.

They estimate the damage to the memorial to be from $3,000 to $5,000.

No arrests have been made, authorities said.

WFTV