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Vandalism causes more damage than hurricanes

Vandalism causes more damage than hurricanes

Date published: 11/20/2003

A natural disaster causing damage to the historical wall at the Confederate Cemetery is a tragedy ["Cemetery wall falls in city," Oct. 25], yet as Barbara Crookshanks stated, "one way or another it will be replaced." The real story, however, was missed.

The cemetery is divided into two sections. The left side of the arch, if you're facing the graveyard on Washington Avenue, is the City Cemetery. The right side is the Confederate Cemetery.

Fredericksburg and its surrounding counties are known throughout the United States for their important role in Civil War history. Many Americans who wore gray died and are buried in this cemetery. Thousands of visitors come here every year, not only to see battlefields, but to find their distant relatives.

Where was great-great- grandfather buried? They visit battlefields where he fought. They've seen where he was wounded or killed, but where are his remains?

In the cemetery, one can find Confederate markers for soldiers from an array of states. But some seeking to visit the graves of relatives may be in for a horrible surprise. Some stone markers have been damaged. When did our heritage cease to exist?

The real horror, as you can see, is not a broken wall that can be repaired, but vandalism that has destroyed the monumental memory and dignity of these fallen soldiers.

Roy B. Perry Jr.

Stafford

Roy B. Perry Jr. is the great-great-grandson of Confederate Sgt. Robert O. Perry.

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Date published: 11/20/2003