REWARD OFFERED

Senseless.

There's no excuse for the recent desecration of the Old Lorimier Cemetery in Cape Girardeau. Vandals broke into the fenced-in cemetery and overturned or broke more than 120 stones. Some of the stones marked the graves of prominent forefathers including Lucius Cheney, a president of the Old Normal School, and George Lewis, a second cousin of President George Washington.

These vandals had to work long and hard to overturn more than 120 stones. Some were shattered beyond repair.

This wasn't a lark by precocious teen-agers. The damage was criminal, and these vandals must be caught and punished.

Only through swift and certain punishment can we hope to send a clear message: Vandalism won't be tolerated.

The Southeast Missourian is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest of these criminals. Individuals with information about the crime should contact the police department by calling 335-6621.

Old Lorimier Cemetery was recognized as Cape Girardeau's first local landmark by the Historic Preservation Commission. People have worked long and hard to protect this important piece of Cape Girardeau history.

Several years ago, sporadic vandalism was a problem at the cemetery, but a fund-raising drive resulted in improved lighting and a tall, chain-linked fence topped with barbed wire. Police officers routinely patrol the area. This combination of protection and concern served the cemetery well for about two years until this recent incident.

Terrell Weaver, cemetery sexton, said this most recent vandalism is perhaps the worst he has ever seen since he began his duties in 1984.

This outrage doesn't just hurt the cemetery, it harms Cape Girardeau. It is time to stop such senseless acts of crime.