The Battle Born Memorial was dedicated November 9 on the grounds of the Nevada state capitol. Within just a few days, a granite platform was severely damaged. Officials say four people on bicycles and scooters rode on the platform, causing cracks and chips on several of the slabs.

"Those scooters and bicycles, it did several cracks, put chips on the edges," Patrick Cates, Director of the Nevada Department of Administration said. "We've cleaned up a lot of it. It's a little difficult to see unless you look closely but it's significant damage."

Officers from the capitol and legislative building found out who the culprits were by looking at security footage. They say they know who they are but that the case is still under investigation.

The granite platform stands about a foot off the ground and has 13 large panels. Cates says the original cost of the platform was $90,000. Repairing the damage is expected to cost about $45,000. The Battle Born Memorial displays all 895 names of Nevadans killed in combat, dating back to the Civil War. 

"I think it was heartbreaking when we saw the damages that had been done to this," Cates said. "I mean, it was just a few days after it was dedicated. It's a tribute to our war dead and to see it treated like that was very upsetting."

Governor Brian Sandoval wants the memorial repaired before he leaves office in January, which has its own challenges.

"There are some challenges with replacing the granite when it's cold but we're talking to contractors now to see if we can get it done before he leaves office," Cates said.

Cates says the repairs could cost more if they have to take additional measures. That could include surrounding the platform with a tent to keep the temperature warm enough for the grout to bond appropriately. He says about half of the panels have damages but all of them will likely have to be replaced.

"It's not uniform, it's unique," Cates said. "So you can't just replace a couple of slabs. It wouldn't look the same."

Cates said the granite platform was initially planned as something different.

"The granite slab actually was originally designed to be a reflecting pool," Cates said. "That was changed to the granite slab because of maintenance issues here on the capitol grounds. It would be difficult to maintain. You would have to drain it in the winter."

Along with discussing how to fix the memorial, officials are also working on a plan to prevent this kind of thing from happening again.