November 01, 2016 - 8:53 AM
KIMBERLEY, B.C. - Vandals have damaged a cenotaph renovation project in Kimberley, B.C., that was due to be completed by Remembrance Day.
A spokeswoman for a veterans group in the southeastern B.C. city says the vandalism is disrespectful to the service of all veterans.
Cindy Postnikoff says obscene drawings have been etched into the nearly dry concrete at the base of the monument.
She says veterans have tried to scour the surface to remove the images but the new concrete is custom-coloured, so final repairs could be difficult to match.
Work on the cenotaph began in June when the group, Military Ames, received a $25,000 grant from Veterans Affairs Canada and the City of Kimberley matched the funds to replace and partially rebuild the monument and move it to a new site in the downtown core.
Postnikoff says the damage total is still being determined, but adds a $1,000 reward has been posted for the arrest and conviction of those responsible. (CHBZ)
News from © The Canadian Press, 2016