Saugus orders veterans grave marker replacements

SAUGUS – Cemetery Superintendent John Falasca made a lot of people very happy Thursday when he was able to place an order for more than 700 flag holders for veterans graves, replacing the ones that were stolen last fall.Selectman Stephen Castinetti, a veteran, said a deal was struck with a Georgia company that agreed to provide the markers at cost.Last October about 700 flag holders were stolen from veterans graves and later sold for scrap. Initial estimates put the cost of replacing the markers at about $15,000. The Cemetery Commission has been seeking donations since the theft, and, to date, has collected about $7,000, which Castinetti said just about covers the cost of the markers.Town Manager Andrew Bisignani said Gohn Manufacturing in Marietta, Ga. heard of the town’s plight and agreed to provide the markers for cost. He credited Falasca for setting up the deal.Bisignani said Castinetti, along with George Moriello from the American Legion, were both consulted over the marker and both not only approved, but were thrilled with the outcome.Castinetti said the new markers very closely resemble the ones that were lost and are also made of metal. There was talk of going with plastic markers, which were considerably cheaper.”They’re nice aluminum ones,” Moriello said. “And we have enough (money) to order extras to fill in the graves that didn’t have any.”When asked if there was any concern the markers might be swiped again, Castinetti said no.”They’re not that valuable frankly,” he said. “I think the guys that stole them only got $1 a piece for them.”Castinetti said he also thought the publicity around the incident heightened everyone’s sense of awareness.”I think if people see something suspicious they’ll call – people will be more aware,” he said.Castinetti said he is simply happy they hit their mark so far ahead of schedule.”It’s a big sigh of relief that this was done for this short of money,” he said. “We will get all the markers and get them into place before Memorial Day.”