Gravestones at Veterans Cemetery Vandalized

There’s growing outrage in Manchester, after nine gravestones at Hillstown Veterans Cemetery off Hillstown Road were vandalized.

“It’s something that shouldn’t have happened in the first place,” said Charlotte Varner.

Dozens of servicemen who fought in World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars are buried at Hillstown Veterans Cemetery and someone apparently used a permanent black marker to scribble phrases on the tombstones.

Maintenance workers with the public works department made the discovery this week, just before Memorial Day.

“It’s completely awful,” said Brenda Gagliardi. “This is a place of peace and beauty, so people need to take respect.”

Public works crews have been trying to remove the marks, but the gravestones are made of marble, which is porous.

Town officials are worried they won’t be able to have them cleaned up in time for Memorial Day.

Varner said even if they can’t, the veterans should still be honored on Monday.

“They still deserve a good Memorial Day,” she said.

It’s unknown who was behind the vandalism. Manchester police are investigating.