ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) -A historic monument in St. Louis’ Benton Park has been restored, several years after it was vandalized.

The Friedrich Hecker Monument in Benton Park was first dedicated in 1882 in front of a reported crowed of 15,000 people who gathered for a parade, speeches, music and the unveiling. The monument posthumously honors Hecker, a leader in both Germany and the United States.

Hecker was one of the leaders of the 1848 Revolution in Germany. Like other 48ers, he was strongly opposed to slavery and joined the newly formed Republican Party.

In 1856 in Illinois, Hecker and Abraham Lincoln were chosen as electors-at-large if John Frémont won the state.

During the Civil War, Hecker also led two regiments, including the 24th Illinois Infantry Regiment and then the 8

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