'Desecration': Officials React To Lansdale Military Grave Thefts

LANSDALE, PA — The search is ongoing for suspects in the theft of 56 military grave markers from Lansdale Cemetery, actions which officials this week called "despicable" and "dishonorable." It's believed the thieves wanted to sell the pieces for scrap.

Dennis Miller, the director of Montgomery County's Office of Veterans Affairs, said that this type of theft is not uncommon.

“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.”

The markers, which hold flags, are provided for free to military families and volunteer veterans organizations by Montgomery County.

>>50+ Military Grave Markers Stolen From Lansdale Cemetery

Local veterans organizations use the holders to place flags by the graves of veterans across the county, including those in Lansdale Cemetery, every Memorial Day.

The penalty for removing a flag holder is a minimum of $100 per holder, Pennsylvania state statute indicates.

“My father was a World War II Army veteran who was incredibly proud of his service,” Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh said in a statement. “The removal of these flag holders to be sold for scrap is despicable, and dishonors these veterans who served our country.”

Lansdale Police said earlier this week that they had not yet identified any suspects. It's believed the thefts occurred between May 31 and July 11.

Applications for a replacement flag holder are available online here, and can also be picked up at the Office of Veterans Affairs in Norristown, on 1430 Dekalb Pike.