Vandals Damage Civil War Soldiers' Graves at Lake Ronkonkoma Cemetery

The graves of four Civil War soldiers were desecrated over the weekend at Lake Ronkonkoma Cemetery, according to the Lake Ronkonkoma Heritage Association.

“Unfortunately, the resting places of four of our beloved Civil War soldiers were damaged,” the organization said. “The American flags on two graves were stolen and wreaths were damaged or stolen.”

A tombstone and a Ronkonkoma Fire Department flag were also damaged.

It is unclear when over the weekend the damage occurred, but Ellyn Okvist, the president of the Lake Ronkonkoma Heritage Association, said it was discovered on Monday night at the cemetery located at Smith Street and Hawkins Avenue.

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Sachem High School East seniors took part in a controversial scavenger hunt Sunday night in which one of the activities was supposedly to “dance on a grave,” but police have not said if there’s any indication that students were involved in causing the damage at the cemetery.

Okvist said she believes “kids” may be the culprits because the damage occurred in a well-lit area of the cemetery near the street.

“I hope it’s not them,” she said, referring to the Sachem students involved in the scavenger hunt.

The graves desecrated belong to soldiers who were honored at a Civil War Cemetery Walk in August at the Historic Landmarks of Lake Ronkonkoma Proclamation.

The graves belong to:

• Capt. Edward J. Carmick, a decorated hero who at age 24 was struck down in battle at Petersburg
• Capt. George McCormick, a decorated hero and resident of Lake Ronkonkoma
• Pvt. Jeremiah Davis, a local citizen
• Sgt. George E. Shea, a decorated hero and resident of Lake Ronkonkoma

Police are investigating and anyone with information on who may have caused the damage should notify police immediately.

“It’s a shame that it happened,” Okvist said. “This is something you don’t go do.”

Photos courtesy of the Lake Ronkonkoma Heritage Association

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