Adams County Veterans Memorial Vandalized for 10th Time in Two Years; Repairs Expected After Post-Veterans Day Incident

BRIGHTON, Colo. – The Adams County Veterans Memorial in Riverdale Regional Park was vandalized on Nov. 12, just one day after residents observed Veterans Day in Brighton, Colorado. County officials said it marked the 10th incident of vandalism in two years at the site, a replica of the USS Colorado battleship. Adams County Parks Director Byron Fanning said repairs could cost up to $3,000, with local police and park staff investigating.

Vandalism Reported Nov. 12 at Riverdale Regional Park

Adams County Parks and local police said the memorial sustained graffiti, obscene messages, and other damage sometime on Nov. 12. Fanning told CBS News Colorado that the cost to repair the latest vandalism could exceed $3,000.

“(The memorial) is actually a replica of the USS Colorado battleship from World War II,” Fanning said.

The replica extends into Mann-Nyholt Lake within Riverdale Regional Park in Brighton. County leaders say the memorial draws about 60,000 visitors per year and is a major attraction for those paying respects to service members.

Damage Details: Paint, Bench Rebuild, and Restroom Repairs

According to Adams County officials, vandals splashed paint across the USS Colorado replica, including over the ship’s cannons and a memorial bench. Fanning said the paint leaked into tight spaces in the bench and stained the platform below.

“We’ve had to take the bench completely apart and rebuild it,” he said.

Additional facilities were also hit during the incident. “In addition to that, they did some damage to our restrooms,” he said. “They broke the backflow valve on the toilet, and unfortunately, we have a system that runs water into a vault in these restrooms, so we had to pump out the vault, which is really expensive.”

Fanning later assessed the repair bill, noting, “It’s probably between $2,500 and $3,000,” while also telling CBS News Colorado the total could exceed $3,000 as cleanup and repairs continue.

Adams County officials shared images of the graffiti on social media but blurred the photos due to obscene content.

Memorial’s Purpose and Community Use

The Adams County Veterans Memorial was designed to honor all who served, including those who gave their lives. The site features detailed elements of the USS Colorado along with marble monuments representing each military branch, plaques with presidential quotations, and a wall chronicling the stories of Adams County veterans. A concrete map at the entrance points visitors to other veterans memorials across the county.

“This is such a great place for people to come and reflect and really get deep into thought,” Fanning said.

On Veterans Day, visitors left flowers and spent time at the memorial. The following day, crews faced another round of cleanup. “It’s really frustrating,” he said. “It hurts my heart when it happens.”

USS Colorado: Historical Context

The USS Colorado was a 32,600-ton battleship built in Camden, New Jersey, and commissioned in 1923. Before World War II, it served with the U.S. Navy’s Battle Fleet, conducting training and exercises. In 1937, the ship assisted in the search for Amelia Earhart. During World War II, the Colorado served in the South Pacific, guarding against Japanese attacks, survived two kamikaze strikes in 1944, and was decommissioned in 1947.

Investigation, Patrols, and Planned Security Measures

County officials said the site has been targeted frequently and that vandalism of the memorial disrespects veterans and the community. In response to the latest incident, Adams County and local law enforcement have increased nighttime patrols and are moving ahead with plans to install security cameras around the park.

“What you’re doing is dishonoring veterans who served, gave their lives, gave their time, and defended this country,” Fanning said. “It is absolutely the wrong message to be damaging something that honors them.”

Fanning urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. “Whoever’s doing this, please stop,” he said. “And help us take care of it.”

What Officials Are Doing Now

• Cleanup and repairs: Crews removed graffiti, rebuilt a memorial bench, and addressed restroom damage including a broken backflow valve and an expensive vault pump-out.
• Law enforcement response: Extra patrols have been added during overnight hours as the investigation proceeds.
• Security upgrades: County leaders plan to install surveillance cameras to deter future vandalism.
• Community outreach: Officials asked residents to report any suspicious behavior and to help safeguard the memorial.

Conclusion: Repairs Underway as Community Appeals for Respect

The Adams County Veterans Memorial in Brighton remains open as officials complete repairs and evaluate security enhancements after the 10th vandalism incident in two years. With roughly 60,000 visitors annually, the memorial continues to serve as a place of reflection and remembrance. Authorities encourage the public to stay alert as the investigation continues and new security measures are implemented.