The American Flag waves in front of a statue honoring our nation's veterans, but the now headless statue at Kiwanis Memorial Park in Richland has, to some, become a symbol of something else.

"It goes to show me that people today simply don't understand what the cost of freedom is all about," said Lt. Col. Craig Minnick. "If they did, they wouldn't do anything like this."

A few weeks ago, the memorial was vandalized. The head of the statue was decapitated and the American Flag was burned. Today, area service men and women attending the Memorial Day event expressed their anger.

"When I got home (from Iraq), I read the paper and saw the news where the memorial was vandalized," said war veteran Drew Mangus. "I was upset, hurt and angry."

Yet, through the harsh feelings, new ones arose, those of American strength and resolve.

"This last time in Iraq I carried a flag with me everywhere we went," said Mangus.

Mangus, who's served the country for the past 18 years, has decided to donate his flag to replace the memorial's burned one.

"It meant a lot to me," said Mangus. "I carried it everywhere I went. I can't think of anything better to do with it then to donate it to this memorial for Johnstown."

Officials with East Hills Kiwanis said with the heartwarming gift and a new sculpted head for the statue on the way, the vandals failed in their attempt to tarnish the American spirit.

"To a degree, it might have woke up a few people that took it for granted," said Bill Barkhimer, the president of the East Hills Kiwanis Club.

If you have any information that could help catch the vandals please contact the Richland Police Department.