Montco Commissioners Denounce Hate Crimes At Local Cemeteries

NORRISTOWN, PA — Two Montgomery County commissioners issued a statement available today denouncing hate crimes in the wake of three local cemeteries being recently vandalized with hate symbols.

Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh, commissioner chairwoman, and Kenneth E. Lawrence, Jr., vice chairman, said in a prepared statement that they are shocked by the acts of vandalism that occurred last Thursday, noting that most of the vandalized gravesites, 1,347 in total, are war veterans.

The commissioners said the free flag holders are available for the families of veterans whose graves were vandalized at three cemeteries.

They are St. Benedict Cemetery, Plymouth Township: Old Matthew Cemetery, Conshohocken; and St. Matthew Cemetery, Whitemarsh Township.

The commissioners said the flag holders honor interred veterans by their period of conflict.
The two commissioners stated: “ We denounce these acts of vandalism and stand in solidarity with our residents and communities affected by this horrific act.

"There is no room for hate of any kind in Montgomery County and we will continue to stand against those who wish to inflict harm on our community.”

Since the 1920s, the county has provided free flag holders for veteran’s graves across Montgomery County.

Many American flags were trampled and flag holders were broken during the incident.

The commissioners urge any members of the public who are in need of a replacement or original flag holder to call the Montgomery County Office of Veterans Affairs at 610-278-3285 or complete an online application.

Arrangements can be made for pickup at the Human Services Center, 1430 Dekalb Pike, Norristown, PA 19404.