Historic headstones vandalized in Union City cemetery
[gtxvideo vid=”IgoiOKKK” playlist=”” pid=”OTSe9U1y” thumb=”http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/IgoiOKKK.jpg” vtitle=”UC Cemetery Vandalism PKG”]
UNION CITY, Tenn.,– More than two dozen headstones are destroyed by vandals in a historic Union City cemetery. Many of the headstone date back to the 1800’s. The destruction happened between October 15 and 19, according to a report from the Union City Police Department. “My immediate thoughts are it’s disrespectful to the the families still taking care of the cemetery,” Bobby Stockdale said. Stockdale attends church next to the cemetery. “There are families that still come out and put out flowers or keep it trimmed and keep it nice looking,” he said. Officials said they have no suspects at this time. Residents said they would like to see more security around the cemetery. Phillip Casey lives across the street. “They have damaged headstones and just minor vandalism,” he said of prior attacks on the nearly 200-year-old markers. The Union City Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for maintaining the grounds. Officials said it’s been at least five years since the cemetery was last damaged. Repairs are estimated to cost around $2,500. Since the grave markers are so old, many of the flipped headstones will just be re-positioned in place, according to officials. “That’s a shame,” Casey said, “It’s desecrating somebodies property.” City View sits adjacent to the historic Confederate Soldier cemetery. Anyone with information on the vandalism is asked to call Union City Police at 731-885-1515
