Galvin (2nd from left) with the new grave markers displayed by, from left, Commissioners Harry Forbes, Rich Caridi, Karl Wagner

Milford - Director of Veterans Affairs for Pike County, John Galvin, showed the Pike County Commissioners the prototype of a new flag holder grave marker combination that will be soon given out to Pike County Funeral Directors. The new markers will have the insignia for the branch of service that the veteran served in.

“Pike County is the only county in Pennsylvania that has the branch of service on the marker,’” said Galvin.

State law mandates that only the era the veteran served be on the grave marker. The new markers will be made of aluminum instead of brass. The switch to aluminum was brought about because of the theft of many of the brass markers. “They steal them and melt them down to get money for the brass,” said Galvin.

“I have an issue with the disrespect shown to the veterans by the stealing of the markers”, said Commissioner Harry Forbes

US Rep. Christopher Carney agrees.  “Our veterans have served our country with dignity; we owe them the honor of a proper burial and grave marker” said Carney.  “I am outraged that grave markers are being stolen and not enough is being done about it.”

Carney introduced federal legislation to protect veterans’ grave markers.

Last year individuals and various groups put out 1,400 flags on veterans’ graves in Pike County. County code mandates that flags be up every year. Galvin stated that he has to check every cemetery in Pike County every to make sure that the holders are by all veterans’ graves.