OKEECHOBEE — "This is another reason why we can't have nice things," said veteran Gregg Maynard after discovering damage to the Huey helicopter on display in the veterans memorial area of Flagler park.

Thought to have happened during the Christmas parade, the damage included prying off the door to gain entrance to the helicopter.

Maynard has been recommending the helicopter be placed on an elevated stand to help discourage people from climbing on and around it. 

Several commented on the disrespect shown by those visiting the tank and helicopter during the parade. To this, Maynard said, "The tank and the guns can take it but not the Huey."

"What a shame, all the hard work put in to bring it back. People are not teaching their children respect anymore as they don’t have respect themselves. I have seen adults climbing on it for photos, no respect!" said one woman.

Several asked why no one stopped them. "Surely someone saw something," said one man. "Why didn't they tell them to get off?"

Maynard plans to take a look at the tank  Monday, and see if there was any damage inside. As of now, he knows there were bolts and latches broken.

"People just don't care until it's to the point it has to be removed. Then they want to know why," said Maynard.