ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The state Senate has approved legislation that would prohibit the unauthorized sale of veteran cemetery markers that are over 75 years old.
The measure was drawn up after the New York Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War reported that cemetery corporations were selling antique grave markers, statues and monuments from the Civil War era. Many of the monuments were erected more than a century ago by veterans groups to honor the sacrifices of New York soldiers during the war.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. William Larkin of Orange County would also create the new crime of desecration of a veteran cemetery plot, grave or burial place.
According to Larkin, there is no law in New York that specifically protects veteran grave sites.
The bills were sent to the Assembly.
