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DURHAM — Veterans are gathering to fight for another cause -- repairing Durham's Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which was badly damaged by vandals this week.
Dozens of veterans gathered at the memorial site Saturday afternoon. They are working to raise $70,000 to restore the monument, which someone toppled with a front-end loader.
News of the vandalism stirred bad memories for many people.
"I look at it as a disgrace," said Jerond Belton, the memorial's designer. "We fight wars to make sure our kids get an education and live the American dream. When things like this happen, it opens up old wounds."
The group is accepting donations to help rebuild the memorial. Money can be sent to:Eddison Johnson Recreation Center600 W. Murray Ave.Durham, NC 27704Organizers hope to have it rebuilt by Memorial Day.
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