SUMNER, Wash. — Sumner police are investigating after 11 bronze grave markers and multiple memorial plaques were stolen or damaged at the historic Sumner Cemetery sometime between Thanksgiving and Sunday morning. City officials say the thefts targeted veterans and non-veterans alike, including plaques on two mausoleums and the cemetery’s Veterans Memorial.
A family visiting for the holiday discovered the first missing plaque Sunday and contacted the city. Cemetery staff then conducted a full assessment and found 11 markers missing, two damaged, and additional bronze plaques removed from mausoleums, along with a damaged vent.
“We believe it occurred Saturday evening,” said Carmen Palmer, communications director for the City of Sumner. “A family visited on Thanksgiving and everything was fine. They returned on Sunday and noticed the marker missing.”…