Mayor, county denounce marker thefts
Herbert: Local veterans chapter working on replacements
LANSDALE >> The recent theft of dozens of markers from graves at the Lansdale Cemetery has drawn condemnation from county officials and a vow from the town’s mayor.
“This is an unconscionable act, and I am deeply saddened,” said Mayor Garry Herbert.
On Tuesday police announced an investigation into the theft of 56 markers, largely made of brass or bronze, that had been placed on the graves of veterans at the borough-maintained cemetery. As of Tuesday, police have no suspects, and ask that anyone with information contact police at (215) 368-1801.
Herbert gave an update during his mayor’s report in the Wednesday night’s council meeting, saying that he, police Chief Mike Trail, and officials from a local VA chapter have begun talks on how to replace the markers.
“While the investigation is ongoing, we are hopeful that new markers, likely made out of plastic instead of metal, will be able to replace the ones taken from our veterans,” he said.
Montgomery County Commissioners also issued a statement Thursday condemning the theft and noting that the county commissioners have provided free flag holders for graves of veterans across the county for nearly a century.
“My father was a World War II Army veteran who was incredibly proud of his service,” said Commissioners’ Chairwoman Val Arkoosh.
“The removal of these flag holders to be sold for scrap is despicable and dishonors these veterans who served our country,” she said.
The flag holders and markers are meant to honor veterans by noting the conflict during which they served and act as a signal to more than 60 volunteers in the county who place flags, the county statement noted, adding that the penalty for removing a flag holder is $100 per state statute.
“Unfortunately, this type of theft and desecration is not uncommon,” said Dennis Miller, director of the Montgomery County Office of Veterans Affairs, who aided local volunteers in placing new markers on ten graves of veterans in the cemetery in 2019.
“Miscreants believe they are high dollar brass and try to scrap them only to find out they are aluminum. They also find out from scrap dealers, who we work closely with, that they have committed a crime and they don’t accept these flag holders,” he said.
Those in need of new or replacement flag holders can apply online and arrangements can be made for pickup from the Office of Veterans Affairs located at the Human Services Center, 1430 Dekalb Pike, Norristown. For more on that office, call (610) 2134022, visit www.montcopa.org/VeteransAffairs or email teamveterans@montcopa.org.
Herbert added Thursday that he’s still in talks with various local groups about the missing markers and said those interested in helping out should follow his “Friends of Garry Herbert” Facebook page for updates, adding that the support of the community and the commissioners “is deeply appreciated.”
“It is frustrating that someone could be so disrespectful to our veterans and to the community as a whole. We will make sure our veterans receive new markers and, hopefully, Lansdale Police will be able to identify the individuals involved in this selfish act,” Herbert said.