CITY OF TONAWANDA
Stolen vets’ markers made good
Eight months ago, 26 Tonawanda soldiers who died in battle during World War I were going to be commemorated on Veterans Day for their bravery.
But the names of soldiers R. Wark and O. Liebeck vanished the night before the service when two large granite and bronze stones were stolen.
Representatives from the Historical Society of the Tonawandas and Elmlawn Cemetery re-created and rededicated their names Tuesday into the memorial, located along the society’s front lawn at 133 Main St. in the City of Tonawanda.
“The veterans from all the wars have fought so hard for our freedom. And what those vandals did to dishonor their names is just downright disrespectful,” said Richard Dutton, the Historical Society’s vice president. “Putting these stones back is only the right thing to do to honor them. This is the happy ending they deserve.”
Police investigated the theft and searched for suspects. The Historical Society even offered a reward. But the stolen stones have not been located.
“Anybody who disgraces the name of veterans, to me, is a lowlife,” said Mike Walker, a 60-year-old Tonawanda resident and Vietnam War veteran who served from 1969 to 1970. “It was truly disheartening to see the desecration that marred last November’s services. So it feels good to have these new stones.”
The replacements did not cost the city or Historical Society anything.
Mike Austin, Elmlawn Cemetery’s general manager, and the cemetery donated the markers after community members raised about $4,000.
He also coordinated the effort, seeking granite and bronze-making companies that could make identical stones to those that are already part of the memorial.
“To have something like this in our community is just great, and to think someone stole the originals for what, a prank? Give me a break. It’s just despicable,” Austin said. “Having all the right contacts, I thought, ‘Geez, I have to do something to help them out.’ So, I did. As an extension of the cemetery, it felt natural.”
The Historical Society has no record of the soldiers’ first names or the circumstances of their deaths.
Assemblyman Robin Schimminger, D-Kenmore, said it’s only fitting that all of these soldiers be recognized.
Each had given the ultimate sacrifice, he said, for their country.
“None of these soldiers had a proper homecoming. None of them were given the chance to see their loved ones, their wives. None of them saw their children or grandchildren grow up,” Schimminger said. “We remember them today for what they’ve done for our freedom.”
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