NYS Police Investigate Stolen Bronze Plaque in Verona

New York State Police are investigating a troubling case of cemetery desecration in Oneida County after two bronze veteran plaques were stolen from headstones in the town of Verona.

Theft Reported at Verona Cemetery

According to State Police, the incident happened at the cemetery located at 5655 East Main Street in Verona. Troopers say the plaques were forcibly removed from headstones, causing damage and leaving behind a sense of loss for families and the community.

The stolen plaques honored veterans for their military service and are considered both historically and sentimentally valuable.

Part of a Growing Trend in Central New York

This isn’t the first time incidents like this have happened in the region.

Earlier this month, police in Madison County investigated the theft of 10 bronze veteran plaques from Lenox Rural Cemetery in Canastota. The heavy, 18-pound memorials were also forcibly removed from headstones.

And just days later, a separate theft was reported in Rome, where a 100-year-old historic bronze plaque tied to the city’s “Great Carry” was stolen from the Lower Landing site, an important location in the region’s early history.

State Police say they are actively working to identify those responsible and recover the stolen items.

What to Watch For and How You Can Help

Investigators are asking the public to report any suspicious activity. This includes:

Individuals seen in or around cemeteries acting suspiciously
Bronze plaques being sold through online marketplaces
Unusual sales or transactions at scrap yards involving memorial items

Anyone who may have information is urged to contact New York State Police in Oneida at (315) 366-6000.

Seven Upstate NY Forts and One Epic Military Museum. You Should Go!!

For history lovers and military buffs, there is just so much to see, explore, and re-live in Upstate New York. This gallery focuses on seven historic forts in our Upstate region. PLUS, we have also added the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga. It is incredible!

All are open to the public, and all have an active calendar of events for the public to enjoy. From exhibits, guest speakers, re-enactments, and other special events. These bastions of our democracy have stood the test of time and are ready to welcome a new generation of visitors this year.

The locations of these forts range from the Adirondacks to the western frontier of New York, and everywhere in between. Each fort is described in this gallery with a link to their social media sites so you can prepare a visit with all the directions and data you need. Tens of thousands will visit these historic places this summer and we encourage you to do the same!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

The New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs, NY Is Definitely Bucket List Worthy!

There is so much military history to be told in the story of Upstate New York. Thankfully, we have several fine military museum that educate and interpret this history of visitors of all ages. One of the very best museum is located in an 1880s armory in Saratoga Springs, NY. The New York State Military Museum has more than 25,000 artifacts on display, and is a very popular destination for history lovers.

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

Filed Under: cemetery