Revolutionary War Veterans' Graves In Michigan Vandalized On Memorial Day Weekend

It was a distasteful Memorial Day weekend. Gravestones of about a dozen graves, including that of a Revolutionary War veteran at a small graveyard in Michigan, got vandalised.

The Flat Rock graveyard, south of Detroit, was named after Michael Vreeland, a Revolutionary War veteran. He had started the site and was buried there after death. His descendants, who were part of the U.S. military were also buried at the spot. A few of his boys, who fought in the War of 1812, as well as Indian conflicts, according to a local report, were also buried there. While his body was finally relocated to another spot, the stone that marked his grave got hit and broken.

"It's just a shame," said Carol Klingel, a member of the Flat Rock Historical Society. "It's sad."

While no arrests were made, cops felt that it is not believed that they had been targeted because they buried veterans.

"It was indiscriminate," said Flat Rock Police Lt. Kevin Murphy. "I don't think it was directed at veterans from what we gather so far."

Many broken stones as part of a 2014 restoration were paid for, said the Flat Rock Historical Society. It noted: "All of the stones that had been meticulously repaired a few years ago are again in pieces."

Klingel added: "I just don't know if they can be repaired or not," referring to the tombstones.

American flags were placed on the gravestones by Ron Klingel, the cemetery's groundskeeper, in spite of the damaged stones.

"They got home from the Revolutionary War and started this, and they had their own family burial ground," Klingel said.

"There's never been a lock on the gate. You don't lock cemeteries. It's just here for viewings and paying your respect," he added. "It's a terrible shame."

Visitors to the graveyard at the western edge of Huroc Park had noted the destruction and reported it to the police.

Anyone with information can contact the Flat Rock Police Department at 734-782-2496. Donations will be accepted by the Flat Rock Historical Society to cover the repair, while those who would like to contribute donations can call Leslie at 734-730-3213.