WTOL.com, Toledo's News Leader, News 11 | Michigan cracks down on vandalism of memorials
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Posted by Dave Dykema - email
MONROE, Mich. (WTOL) - Michigan is cracking down on anyone who doesn't respect war heroes.
Tuesday the State Senate passed a bill to discourage vandalism of memorials like the Gen. George A. Custer Monument right along the River Raisin in Monroe, Mich.
St. Sen. Randy Richardville of Monroe sponsored the bill. If it also passes in the House, anyone who vandalizes or destroys war monuments faces increased fines and even jail time.
It also covers stretches of highway and the signs on them memorializing fallen heroes, like Pfc. Dennis Miller, Jr. of LaSalle. He died in Iraq in 2004, the day before Veterans Day.
"Yesterday was actually the fifth anniversary of his death," said Kathy Miller, Dennis's mother.
Miller's mother and aunt visit memorials at Veterans Park in Monroe and at Luna Pier. They say the bill is needed after recent cases of vandalism in Monroe.
"These people that do this are just cowards, or they are just looking for their own recognition, I mean that's not a good way," said Kathy Miller.
"It's like getting a scab and they come along and they pull it off," said Cindy Miller, Dennis's aunt. "You think you're going to heal a little bit and they come through and just pull the scab right off.>
News 11 caught up with Vietnam Veteran Don Cannon as he was overseeing preps for Wednesday night's Veterans Day service at Veterans Park.
"We couldn't ask for a better county to live in than right here, because they support the veterans," said Cannon. When asked how he felt about monuments being defaced in any way, he said, "If I catch anybody, I'd hate to say what would happen!"
The State Senate also passed the "Stolen Valor" law, which sets penalties for people who falsely pose as a veteran or member of the military.
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