Stolen Veteran Grave Markers To Be Replaced In Burlington County

Veteran grave markers that were recently stolen throughout Burlington County will be replaced, Burlington County, Freeholder Ryan Peters announced during a summit on the issue this week.

In September, about 375 veteran grave markers were reported stolen from the Sacred Heart Cemetery and Brotherhood Cemetery in Hainesport, Mount Holly Cemetery and Mount Moriah Cemetery in Mount Holly, and the Evergreen Cemetery in Lumberton. Last year thefts were discovered at the Lakeview Cemetery in Cinnaminson and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Burlington Township.

The markers are traditionally brass rods, about two feet long, with a symbol to indicate the war the veteran fought in and a holder for a family member or friend to place an American flag. Thieves cut the emblems off the top and sell the metal.

The new grave markers will be funded and distributed by the county, according to Peters, a Navy SEAL who saw multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and is currently a Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserve.

Going forward, with the support of the veteran’s community in the county, the veteran grave markers will be purchased without brass, making them less desirable for theft, Peters said.

“As a veteran, I am speechless at the callous disrespect for the graves of my fellow brothers and sisters in the military,” Peters said. “These grave markers are meant to show gratitude for the veterans who served this great country with honor. It is disheartening we have to resort to using an alloy instead of brass, however, I have comfort knowing family members visiting the remains of a loved one will soon see a new grave marker and flag, as they always should.”

Peters was joined at the summit by the County Department of Military and Veteran’s Services. The summit took place at the County Department of Human Services Building in Westampton on Monday. Every year the Burlington County Department of Military and Veteran’s Services provide the funding for about 800 veteran grave markers and delivers them to cemeteries throughout the county.

Other ideas discussed at the summit included the potential for signs at the cemeteries warning thieves that they will be prosecuted and increased police patrols. They also urged Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina to pursue the maximum punishment allowed by law to anyone caught stealing veteran grave markers.

“These actions last year and this year stab at the heart of our community. Burlington County is home to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and more military personnel than any other county in the state,” Peters said. “[Monday’s] meeting was a first step towards preventing future theft from occurring. I will continue to do all I can to stop this from happening again.”

Patch file photo