Grave markers designating the sacrifice of a number of Anderson County Veterans buried in Springfield Cemetery in Garnett, have been stolen and likely sold for scrap, possibly to fund the drug habits of scrap metal scavengers. The Anderson County Sheriff’s office was investigating the theft this week of a number of such markers, which recently disappeared from the graves of veterans buried at the cemetery. Caretakers discovered the missing markers while inspecting the grounds recently.
Veteran grave markers, like the WWII and Korea Medallions placed at cemeteries throughout Kansas, continue to be targets for thieves nationwide, as law enforcement repeatedly link the thefts to scrap-metal sales, drug-related crimes and the resale of markers as “vintage” decor. Similar cases are reported across the country.
Officials urge families and cemetery boards to report any missing markers to law enforcement. Many American Legion and VFW Posts will replace stolen markers for families at little or not cost.
