[MassHistPres] ALERT!! Stolen Monument!!

[dbibel at comcast.net]

We should all be aware that this is only one example of the type of thefts that are becoming common throughout the region.  The goal of actions like this is the copper - which has increased fairly dramatically in value in the recent past.   

Most of the thefts have occurred at construction and utility sites, where large amounts of copper wire can be found.  However, statues, commemorative plaques, and the like are also at risk.

I'm not sure what can, realistically, be done to prevent these events.

 
 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: JonBlmrl at aol.com
> Just a repeat of the earlier posting, without the hasty errors.  In an  
> effort to get the message out as soon as possible and so perhaps generate a  
> lead, 
> the story is being aired on the major networks -who have been very  
> cooperative and supportive- and in as many papers as possible: likewise  
> helpful.  Thank 
> you all so much.
> 
> The bronze  cannon sculpture has been stolen from atop the seven foot tall   
> Sumner H. Needham granite monument located in the Bellevue cemetery,  
> Lawrence,  
> Mass.  The theft occurred, we believe, Monday night,  the ninth of  October.
> 
> The sculpture consists of two bronze cannon  measuring about 2.5 feet each,  
> crossed at a 90 degree angle and  joined in at the center by a bronze pin and 
>  weld.  I estimate the  weight to be 300 pounds +-.
> 
> The sculpture was installed in  2002 as a replacement for the original which  
> went missing perhaps  fifty years ago.
> 
> Sumner Needham was a man like so many others who  happened to be in the  
> military.  He died for the cause for  which he was fighting.  By historical  
> account 
> and by the first  hand record of the pastor who laid him in the grave,  Mr. 
> Needham had  the unfortunate distinction and honor of being the first union 
> soldier  to  die in 
> the Civil War of the United States.
> 
> The monument  was erected by the city in 1862 as a permanent remembrance of 
> the  loss  and to   
> the cause for which he died.
> 
> The cannon were  pried from their mooring, dropped to the ground and  rolled 
> away,  presumably to an awaiting vehicle.
> 
> If you have any  information, Please contact us at 978 686 9881 or the  
> Lawrence  Police Dept., Detective Mary Bartlet, at 978 794 5900 or email at 
> _redtears17 at aol.com_ (mailto:redtears17 at aol.com) 
>  
> 
> 
> Thank you,  Sincerely, Sean F. Sweeney
> Lawrence Civil War Memorial  Guard.
> 
> 
> 
> 
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