It’s not uncommon to see a small crowd gather at the Orion Veterans Memorial, but unfortunately, on Monday, it was not for positive reasons.
That morning, sometime before 8:15 a.m., it was discovered someone had vandalized the site.
According to Dr. Joe Mastromatteo, the American flag (which sits on the pedestal at the center of the memorial) was broken off at the base and taken, and a another flag that hung on one of the walls was cut in two places.
The vandalism was discovered that morning by both Mastromatteo and a concerned citizen who called Park Manager Bob Watros to report it.
‘Both flags have been desecrated,? said Mastromatteo. ‘This comes as a total surprise and a high insult to what our flag stands for and what we’re trying to build here.?
He added the flag stolen off the pedestal was surrounded by flags from the various military branches, but none of those were damaged.
‘Whoever is responsible for this terrible deed should be aware that this memorial is being built in the search of world peace,? Mastromatteo said, adding it represents the military personnel of the Lake Orion community and of the nation. ‘We honor all those who gave the supreme sacrifice for that goal. For someone to vandalize such as a sacred place tells me they do not appreciate what our country stands for.?
Mastromatteo and Watros called the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department and Deputy May responded.
May requested any citizens that might have seen unusual activity at the memorial contact the sheriff’s department at (248)393-0092 (Orion Substation) or (248)858-4950 (main line).