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Bensalem Police Investigating After Vets' Gravesite Flags Burned

By Walt Hunter

BENSALEM, Pa. (CBS) -- The search is on for vandals who desecrated veterans' graves in two Bensalem Township Memorial Parks on three occasions over the past month, piling American flags, holders and decorations then setting them on fire.

Bensalem Public Safety Director Fred Harran says between 50 and 60 veterans' gravesites were vandalized at Rosedale Memorial Park and Roosevelt Memorial Park. The burned flags and decorations were discovered this morning at the Rosedale Memorial Park. The desecrating vandals struck Sunday evening at the Roosevelt Memorial Park, where they had also struck earlier this month.

Director Harran says there is no clear motive for the vandalism, adding it is hurtful to the families of those who have served their country.

"The gravemarkers and just desecrating the cemetery...I can't explain it. Why would anybody do that?" Harran says.

At least one local veterans' group expressed their outrage already and promised they will make sure every burned flag is replaced.

VFW volunteer Tom Gait, a member of that group, expressed his own disdain for the criminals.

"I think it's a disgrace that anybody would do that to a veterans' cemetery," he says. "It's sad."

"To desecrate someone's loved one's cemetery plot...there's a place for you one day, and it'll be below the ground," Harran adds.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Bensalem Police Detective Division at 215-633-3719.

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