Vivika_Vergara's Blog

Tonight, we worked on a piece about vandalism at Calvary Cemetery in Milwaukee.  At this particular site, about 60 headstones were knocked over and a number were also spray painted. Every time I come across one of these stories, it makes my heart sink.  

Driving into the cemetery didn't seem so bad until we spotted two men with a large crane hoisting a massive headstone upright.  In the ground, you could definitely see a large indentation -- tracing almost -- of where this 1,000+ pound headstone used to be.  When I asked them what came to mind when they saw these knocked over headstones, they just shook their head and said it was disgusting.  

They don't know why, the cemetery doesn't know why, complete strangers probably don't why either -- why anyone would find enjoyment from vandalizing a sacred spot meant for reflection and peace.

It's bad enough you have crews working around the clock trying to restore order before the super busy Memorial Day weekend -- but I can only imagine what it would be like to make the drive in, with intentions of reflections and prayer, only to be greeted by the unthinkable.   

I also had a chance to speak with the man who oversees all Catholic cemeteries for the Archdiocese who says in most instances, vandals are never caught -- unfortunately, crews just end up finding their handywork.

I'm sure you probably have your own ideas and suggestions about what to do with anyone caught and connected to these awful acts -- for me, I'm praying they will stop and realize they are doing more than just merely knocking over headstones and defacing property -- they're hurting a family and community.