Damaged Vietnam War Memorial will be replaced

URIAH, Ala. (WALA) - On Wednesday, FOX10 reported a Vietnam monument in Uriah that was knocked down, and needed to be replaced.

Since our report aired, locals have stepped up to help.

Each of the granite slabs at the Uriah Veteran’s Memorial proudly stands tall, with heroes' names forever emblazoned.

But right now, hidden behind some bushes, sits a shameful reminder of a vandal's indifference.

The Vietnam Monument is lying on the ground, with the top shattered into pieces.

Last week, authorities said a teenager knocked down the Vietnam monument.

Dakota Bailey, 18, was arrested and charged.

Deputies said he admitted to the crime after he injured his foot in the incident.

Authorities said he’s been charged with first degree criminal mischief and he is in the Monroe County Detention Center on $100,000 bond.

But because of his alleged crime, the entire monument will have to be replaced- and it could cost around $25,000.

Last week, Albert Hollinger, who runs the memorial said, "To us, this is sacred ground. It's as sacred as a cemetery, you know?"

Since our report aired last week, the Monroe Chapel Funeral Home in Monroeville has volunteered to replace the monument free of charge.

Hollinger said, "I feel good now. I wasn't feeling too good the other day."

Monroe Chapel Funeral Home owner Beverly Mohn said, "They worked very, very hard, and I knew I had to help them out."

Hollinger says after our report aired last week, donations started coming in.

"There’s some good comin out of it,” said Hollinger.

Hollinger said the new monument will have some added names- that alone would've cost them a few hundred dollars to inscribe. And with the donations, they should be able to afford to place concrete over a dirt lot in front of the memorial.

"(This) probably wouldn't have happened if (Fox10) hadn't come,” said Hollinger.

The funeral home owner said it will take 6 to 8 weeks before the monument to be set up here. Uriah, Alabama is a tiny town, but Hollinger said this area stepped up in a big way.