Reward offered for information on stolen veterans memorial plaques

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, May 19, 2021

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GARYVILLE — Legacy Pathway – Walking with Seniors and Veterans (formerly Garyville Youth Organization) is offering a reward for information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for stealing the four bronze Veterans plaques that were on the Garyville VFW monument located on the grounds of the former recreation organization.
These plaques were placed almost 50 years ago to honor deceased Garyville Veterans and Ladies Auxiliary members, according to memorial monument committee member Joan LeBouef.

“To my knowledge, there are only two VFW members still with us and maybe two or three of the Ladies Auxiliary,” LeBouef said. “Since raising my children right across from this property since the late ‘70s, I would witness the VFW members and the Ladies Auxiliary members come to the memorial each Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day to raise the flag, recite prayers and sing songs to honor ALL veterans.”

She added, “I cannot tell you what this has done to the hearts of the few people who have been seeking funds and applying for grants to refurbish this memorial and create a walking path that seniors can use when they visit. We are sick to our stomachs knowing someone would disrespect veterans that have fought, became disabled and some given their lives for our country!”
LeBouef said Legacy Pathway – Walking with Seniors and Veterans is asking for the public’s help in alerting any scrap yards or recycling businesses to be aware of these stolen, cherished plaques.
The plaques list many names of Garyville residents and should be easy to recognize and identify if found.