Grave vandalism unconscionable

It is with great remorse and sense of outrage I write to condemn in the strongest possible terms the desecration of graves at the Woodlawn and Saint Mary's cemeteries in the city of McHenry. It is extremely unfortunate that these young people have so little respect, not just for the dignity of the cemetery, the property of others or the lives and feelings of surviving family members, but the special historical significance which these places hold for our communities.

Regardless of our religious affiliation, our cemeteries provide us with a precious link to our collective past, one which demands vigilant stewardship. This responsibility falls directly upon the parents of each and every young person who may be tempted to pull such a stunt for Halloween, or any other time. It is our fervent hope that appropriate restitution be made by the perpetrators and their parents in an effort to curb such reprehensible behavior.

Nick Chirikos

McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission

Algonquin