AURORA, Colo. -- Vandalism doesn't defeat patriotism. That was the message sent by hundreds of community members when they attended a fundraiser at the vandalized Colorado Freedom Memorial in Aurora.

"There are 17 years of me in this," said Colorado Freedom Memorial president Rick Crandall. He's behind the creation of the large wall with the names of fallen war veterans etched into the glass.

Crandall believes someone threw a rock at one of the panes of glass, shattering it.

"It made no sense to me at all," said Crandall. "What motivates people to do things?"

On Saturday, hundreds of people showed up for a fundraiser to help fund a fix. Repairs are estimated at more than $50,000.

"I think we should do our part as a community to come out and restore it," said war veteran Douglas Colbert.

Crandall has only one message for the alleged vandal responsible.

"You may have hurt the memorial, but you've only strengthened our resolve."

If you want to donate to the repair of the Colorado Freedom Memorial, click here.

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Community comes together to help fix vandalized Colorado Freedom Memorial - The Denver Channel