Effort to fix vandalized Brackenridge veterans memorial continues

The investigation to find who vandalized a Brackenridge veterans memorial in February appears to be stymied as fundraising to restore the memorial continues.

The 54-year-old honor roll memorial in Brackenridge Memorial Park was damaged when someone painted parts of it silver. It is believed to have been done on at least two nights between Feb. 9 and 13.

A review of video surveillance in the area failed to find anything suspicious, borough Councilman Dino Lopreiato said Monday.

Brackenridge police could not be reached for comment Monday. Lopreiato said he spoke with Chief Justin McIntire and was told they have no leads.

“Unless somebody comes forward, it’s a dead case,” Lopreiato said.

Repairing the memorial is expected to cost about $7,500, Lopreiato said. The Brackenridge Improvement Group has one bid for the work and is seeking more.

Lopreiato, who is president of the group, said he will ask borough council at its meeting Thursday to allow the group to spearhead the restoration effort. He also will ask the borough to make a donation toward the project.

The group is accepting donations for the work and already has about $3,750, more than half of the funding needed, Lopreiato said.

The group had been fundraising to restore the memorial, following its efforts to clean and restore the nearby war memorial known as “The Arch.” About $750 in donations came in after the vandalism happened.

Thursday’s council meeting starts at 6 p.m. in the borough office at 1000 Brackenridge Ave.

Donations to the Brackenridge Improvement Group can be sent to P.O. Box 160, Brackenridge, PA 15014.