Veterans memorial bell destroyed by vandals
<p>A stand that previously held “Pappy’s Bell” at the center of the Veterans Memorial in McEuen Park sits empty Tuesday afternoon. The bell, which was donated to the city in the 1950s, was severely damaged by vandals during the weekend.</p>
<p>"Pappy's Bell," an important piece of Coeur d'Alene's Veterans Memorial since the 1960s, was severely damaged by vandals sometime over the weekend. It is unknown if the bell can be repaired, and officials are estimating that more than $15,000 in damage was caused.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE — When vandals destroyed "Pappy's Bell" at the Veterans Memorial in McEuen Field sometime over the weekend, Sam Taylor said, they shattered a piece of history that has been part of the memorial for decades.
"It's a community tragedy to have this happen this close to Veterans Day," said Taylor, the deputy city administrator. "Something like this happening so close to the day our veterans will be at the plaza to be honored for their service to the country is rough."
On the morning of Monday, Oct. 24, Taylor said a parks department employee discovered "Pappy's Bell," which was donated to the city by the father of local veteran Jim Shepherd in the 1950s, had been substantially damaged by vandals. Taylor said at this point it is unknown if the 350-pound bell can be repaired, and estimated the damage at more than $15,000.
"This is a horrible act and we're very sad to see it happen," Taylor added.
According to Taylor, it is believed the damage occurred sometime during the night, either on Saturday or Sunday. Taylor said it appears the vandals rocked the bell, causing the post holding it onto the frame to break. When the post broke, the bell fell to the ground and shattered.
The Coeur d'Alene Police Department is currently investigating the case, and has asked for help from any citizen who may have also been walking in the area of McEuen Field, the Harbor House, Third Street Dock or the Veterans Memorial on Saturday night, Oct. 22.
Jim Shepherd's father, Taylor said, found the pot metal cast bell in an outbuilding on a farm, and the city began using the bell as part of its Veterans Memorial at Third and Front Streets in the 1960s. It was refurbished prior to the opening of the renovated McEuen Park and relocated to the Veterans Memorial Plaza after that time.
Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to call (208) 769-2320.