The recent vandalism of Riverside Cemetery, as reported in the Sun Journal, boggles the mind. The vandals toppled more than 100 stones. That’s one-zero-zero. To lose even one such marker, centuries old, is a tragedy.
That such a number were deliberately destroyed for the sake of vandals’ amusement is plain barbarism. The last time this area witnessed disrespect for beauty, history and community on that scale was probably last summer’s arson of the Cowan Mill.
I can only imagine how I would feel if the memorial for one of my own ancestors were defaced in that way.
As a silver lining, I believe people have taken advantage of this opportunity to be more conscious about belonging to a community with a shared heritage to preserve.
It’s worth remembering that public policy plays a role in this project. In the 121st Legislature, Lois Snowe-Mello proposed a bill (LD 1244) toughening anti-vandalism law on burial grounds in Maine. It was sensitive to the ages of perpetrators and required financial restitution and community service for the cemetery in question.
Kudos to her for being prescient on the issue, and to the Lewiston Maineiacs and everyone else who helped clean up and fix the mess.
Dana Coffin, Auburn
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