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Memorial At Veterans Park In Monroe Vandalized Again

MONROE (WWJ/AP) - Authorities say a memorial in Monroe for military members who died while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan has been vandalized for the second time.

Flood lights shining on the War on Terror Memorial at Veterans Park were ripped from the ground in late March.

The memorial was created by the Nicholas Greer Foundation, which was started after 21-year-old Army Pfc. Nicholas J. Greer of Monroe died when insurgents attacked his patrol unit in 2005 in Iraq.

His mother Kelly Greer told The Monroe Evening News she's not sure why someone would do this.

"It feels like my heart was ripped out of my chest... This is so personal for me. I work so hard trying to keep this place clean and it seems like no one appreciates it," Greer said.

The heartbroken mother said she will post a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest. She called the vandalism "a slap in the face" to the men who lost their lives.

In 2007, the American flag and a "Lest they be forgotten" flag were stolen, along with personal tributes left at the site. A white-ribbon cross also was smashed.

TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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