SALISBURY, N.C. — The Salisbury Police Department asked the public for help to identify the people responsible for the theft and vandalism of 200 U.S. flags over the weekend and on Monday at the Salisbury Veterans Memorial Park on West Miller Street.
The flags were initially stolen and vandalized at the park. After being replaced, they were subjected to further vandalism the following day, police said.
The Salisbury Veterans Memorial Park on Miller Street is a memorial site and not a veteran cemetery. The flags were placed there for Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day.
Organizer Beverly Leonard helps take care of Salisbury Veterans Memorial Park.
She helps place 400 U.S. flags every year to honor veterans from Rowan County who died while serving the country.
It upsets her that someone would repeatedly break or steal the flags.
“I can’t get my mind around it,” she said. “It’s all about the veterans and the ones who have died.”
A wreath on the Vietnam Memorial was also destroyed.
Neighbors, including Sherry Klaver and her family, have helped replace some of the stolen flags.
Her grandfather served in Vietnam and lives in Maine.
“This is heartbreaking because I’m very patriotic,” Klaver said.
Klaver’s 7-year-old daughter, Abigail, had a message for the people responsible.
“If there are people who do not like our country, it’s alright if they do not like our country, but they should not take down our flag,” the girl said.
Police set up a temporary surveillance tower on Wednesday near the entrance to the park.
Members of the public can submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 866-639-5245. All information received through Crime Stoppers will remain confidential.
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