Funds growing for Saugus grave markers

SAUGUS – The fund aimed at replacing the roughly 700 flag holders stolen last fall from the veterans graves has received a significant boost thanks to Danvers Bank.Selectmen voted last week to accept a $1,500 gift from the bank, earmarked specifically for the grave markers lost from Riverside Cemetery.The flag holders were stolen and sold for scrap. Three men were arrested in connection with the theft and a fund was set up to try to replace the markers. At the time, it was estimated the cost to replace the flag holders was close to $20,000.Cemetery Commissioner Dennis Gould said the figure is closer to $14,000 but that is still only half of what they have raised.”We have $7,000,” he said. “Regardless of what we collect though, we will buy all the markers and have them in place by Memorial Day.”It has always been the plan to replace all of the markers in time for the annual Memorial Day services, but there was some concern that the large amount of money needed could not be raised in time and the town already said it could not afford to fill the breach.Gould, however, said individuals, as well as a number of groups and businesses have stepped up to help. “I’d say it’s about 50-50 between groups and individuals,” he said regarding the donations. “We’ve had school groups, all kinds of groups and businesses come forward.”While he said the commission does have a plan, Gould said donations are still welcome and can be dropped off at the Riverside Cemetery office on Winter Street. Checks should be made payable to the Saugus Cemetery Commission.