June 5, 2018
By: Dwayne Page
More than $1,400 in pledges have been made to replace six bronze stars stolen off the veteran’s memorial monument at Green Brook Park last fall.
Joyce Poss championed the cause and announced the fundraising effort last Monday during the Memorial Day program at the county complex and through a local news story on WJLE. Within two days, Poss said the public had responded with pledges totaling $1,475. The cost of the project was expected to be between $1,200 and $1,500.
Pledges and donations are still being sought.
Poss said if more money is collected than needed to replace the bronze stars then the extra money will likely be used to repair and clean the monument and to add to it names of other fallen soldiers from DeKalb County including US Army Sergeant Shannon D. Taylor who was killed in the line of duty while serving in Iraq in 2005 and US Army PFC Billy Gene Anderson who died while serving in Afghanistan in 2010. A fence with barbed wire will also be placed around the monument with a locked gate to hopefully prevent another theft.
“I need names of those wishing to make a pledge and the amount you are willing to pledge. The city will take care of getting the bronze stars ordered. All I need at this time is input and help getting this done. Any amount you can give will be appreciated,” said Poss.
Call 615-597-5164 and leave a message including your name and telephone number and Joyce will return your call.
An off duty city employee discovered the theft last September.
According to City Public Works Director Kevin Robinson, the employee was in the park and noticed that the stars were missing from the monument. Its not known exactly when the theft occurred. City officials believe whoever committed the theft used a pry bar to remove the stars .
The monument and two cannons, once located on the grounds of the former VFW Howard Gill Post 7623 on the Sparta Highway, were relocated to Green Brook Park after the Post was closed three years ago. The six sided monument stands in tribute to those from DeKalb County who lost their lives during the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Iraqi Freedom.
Smithville Police Chief Mark Collins said the Police Department is seeking tips from the public. If you have information that may help solve the crime contact Crime Stoppers at 615-464-6199.