Pleasant Grove cemetery vandalized

By FRED SWIFT

Vandalizing a cemetery is a disgraceful and illegal activity at any time, but doing it in the days leading up to Memorial Day adds insult to injury.

Located on 106th Street immediately west of College Avenue, the 175-year-old Pleasant Grove cemetery is the burial site of several veterans – at least one who served in the War of 1812.

Vandals pushed over more than 40 tombstones, breaking some of them, according to Clay Township Trustee Doug Callahan. The small cemetery was originally part of the property of Pleasant Grove Methodist Church. The church relocated years ago, but the cemetery became the responsibility of the township which maintains it.

There is a good chance that the vandals don’t even know the true meaning of Memorial Day. If caught, perhaps a judge could give them a history assignment as part of their punishment.

Meanwhile, Callahan is planning for repairs of the damage. Carmel Police are investigating and apparently have some surveillance tape to aid them.