Police Investigating After 30 American Legion Grave Marker Thefts In Cecil County
RISING SUN, Md. (WJZ) -- Maryland State police are investigating the theft of 30 American Legion grave markers from a cemetery in Cecil County.
The thefts occurred sometime between Saturday and Monday morning at the Rosebank Cemetery, according to police.
A caretaker of the cemetery reported the thefts in the morning after noticing the grave markers were missing from the gravesites on November 4.
"The caretaker went out and noticed the grave markers, which had flags hung on them in preparation for Veterans Day, were missing," Maryland State Police Spokesperson Ron Snyder said.
Six days before #VeteransDay, @MDSP is investigating the theft of 30 @AmericanLegion Legion grave markers from a Cecil County cemetery. The markers hold a miniature American flag and mark the graves of U.S. service members. FULL RELEASE: https://t.co/5eXt9meRPE @MSPNorthEast pic.twitter.com/zZHfUDSnV8
— MD State Police (@MDSP) November 5, 2019
The markers hold a small American flag and mark the graves of American service members.
Skip McKinnon, of the American Legion, said each marker is a way for families to remember the ones they've lost while serving.
"That's like a stab in the heart," McKinnon said. "It affects every veteran and their families."
While police haven't said whether or not the act was targeted or a prank, McKinnon said he hopes whoever is responsible comes forward.
"I hope [those responsible] are prosecuted because they served our country and they deserve better," he said.
"Right now I'm emotional," Jacqueline Gregg, of the American Legion, said. "I got goosebumps. It's not right for somebody to go in a graveyard and degrade our veterans. The ones that lost their lives for us, or freedom. It's just sad."
If anyone has information in regards to the thefts please call 410-996-7800.