Metal of Honor
For some of these stones, genealogy research might eventually bring a visitor or two.
Next to that stone is a weathered old metal flag holder that has seen better days, an indication that the person served their country.
Who cares?
Veterans care.
So even if no family members have visited the grave in years, a veteran has. At least once a year. Every year they come to place a flag in that metal flag holder right before Memorial Day.
This year, a small group of old vets decided to go a step further. Grave stone to grave stone, they took note of the condition of each marker at the St. Patrick's Cemetery in Franklin.
A lot of the posts were beat up and in many cases the metal was so worn they were nearly unreadable.
While refurbishing the posts, the trio also inspected the condition of the medallions. Each medallion that could saved was saved. Some admittedly are so corroded that nothing could be done. Those were replaced.
"We hope we didn't miss anyone," Supak said.
Supak said that if any veteran in St. Patrick's is missing a flag holder he wants to know because it's important everyone is remembered.
More information or to report a marker that is missing or in need of repair, call Rich Supak at 814-437-3385.