staff report
GARDNER — Sometime on July 4th, while the country was celebrating our independence and the sacrifices associated with that, currently unknown non patriots entered the east Gardner Cemetery by Farisita and attacked the markers and decoration of several graves. All the vandalized graves were the resting places of veterans only, some having given it all in combat. They broke down wooden railings, tore up lighting and vandalized headstones of those resting warriors. Nothing was stolen, rather broken and destroyed and then left in place to be found by family and loved ones.
The value of the damage is estimated at $2,000 and veterans organizations have been notified and are seeking restorative help. Gardner resident Pat Martinez, who tends several of the interred, reported the acts and said the families of those veterans were sad to see of the acts of disrespect. The crime is under investigation by the Huerfano County Sheriff’s Office and if anyone can provide leads to the identification of the perpetrators, please contact the sheriff’s office.
