McKee calls Garden of Heroes vandalism ‘an absolutely shameful act’

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Gov. Dan McKee on Monday called the Garden of Heroes vandalism “an absolutely shameful act.”

“The Garden of Heroes is a solemn place where loved ones come to honor and remember our fallen soldiers,” said McKee. “I am disgusted by this cowardly vandalism.”

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of Rhode Island said over the weekend that a memorial dedicated to fallen soldiers was defaced with graffiti. The Garden of Heroes is located in the State House West Lawn.

Joe “Tiger” Patrick, the VFW State Commander of Rhode Island, said some of his District Commanders will power wash the monuments safely to protect the surface of the stones.

Salks Ace Hardware, a major corporate sponsor of the VFW nationwide, is also donating cleaning materials for the project.

Cleanup took place from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday.