Around here that marker would go in front of the head stone
Around here that marker would go in front of the head stone
One of those is from the VA, the other by the family. The VA now uses marble or granite I think, it's what we got with Dads in 08. It was about the same thing, only in stone instead of bronze. It arrived so quick we just used it. I made a form and poured a cement base, then set the stone from VA on it. We had a monument company update my little brothers to match. They set a pre-made concrete pad in place, and siliconed the stone to it. The only real visible difference was I had formed the slab on Dads to tilt forwardQuote:
Originally Posted by Mechanic688
Well, with the original post, I am sorry that I suggested selling it on Ebay. I thought that it was a vase of some sort meant to put flowers in. And when you said that it was new in box, I had no idea that it was engraved.
Around here, that is meant as a foot stone rather than a head stone. When we visit the cemetery, besides the regular headstone, The military sends out a foot stone to be placed at the "foot" end of the body. I think that is what you have there. It does indeed need to find it's place at the foot of the grave of that soldier.
It seems that you guys are onto something great here. If the rightful spot is found and there is no family, I propose that we all chip in to get this foot stone layed properly in it's rightful spot.
I for one will kick in the first $10 if that is what it takes, but let's make sure we find the rightful spot for this and maybe we can get something going.
I was thinking the same thing, That is why I followed up on the eBay suggestionQuote:
Originally Posted by parrothead
I would also kick in to have it installed at the Cemetery if that is allowed by the CemeteryQuote:
Originally Posted by parrothead
Just need an eMail address for PayPal or IM address to send a check / money order to
John and Parrot-
First off- Not to worry, I probably should have snapped the pics and posted them in my original post. I may have not caused confusion otherwise. If it were just an unmarked vase, this would have been a completely different thread all together.
Secondly, the idea of you guys offering to pitch in is a wonderfully kind and heartwarming gesture. I'll tell you what, I'm going to work my buns off to find this family, if all else fails I will do the legwork to find out the proper placement, a general idea of the stone itself etc.. and if and when that time comes, I will properly try to raise funds if anyone would be willing to contribute.
Thank you gents. Thank you very much!!
If you find family and need to pay for shipping, or if it can be placed at the graveside and there is a fee, would be honored to put in on it.
If you are successful at either, I would encourage you to consider contacting some newspapers, TV, local media folks. Not to blow your own horn, but there is a "real story" here and one that represents what "real scrappers" are about! There is always a lot of negative media. This could be a positive article about the trade! jus my 2
About 2 years ago we had a guy bring in some brass cemetery urns that he was cutting up in 4 pieces to disguise what they were. We contacted the police and set up a sting the next time the guy came in. Because we had pictures of the guy, his load, him withdrawing money from our ATM, his truck, his license and his license plate, we were able to hand the cops a pretty cut and dry case. We did the same thing a few months ago with some hoodlums that stole some bronze statues from a church.
I said it before and I'll say it again...if there is a Hell, there is a special place reserved for those that steal from churches and graveyards.
Camby is just outside of Indianapolis, where I reside. If there is anything I can do to assist, please let me know! I would be honored to help.
I would also donate to the cause to get this installed or to get it to the family! Scrap Metal at its best right here!
Thank you to the latest round of gents willing to toss some money into the fund- this is a great group of guys and gals!!!
Brojer: I'm definitely not a toot your horn guy.. I like to share some neat finds or loads on the forum from time to time.. but only because this group of folks would get a kick out of it.. it is never to boast. If we all got together and had this thing placed where it should.. that would be "payment enough" for me honestly. I know it may be "great PR" for all of us who do what we do.. but I'm also of the mindset of just getting things to their rightful owners without anything expected in return.. just because.. well.. just because it is the right thing to do. With that being said I respect you and your opinion highly kind sir!
If indeed I fail at finding a proper heir and we all do want to pitch in and make this happen.. but find the cost is a little steeper than we may have anticipated.. I don't think if a media outlet did pick it up that it would hurt in the least to assist in raising funds for the cause. I just figure things will work out the way they are intended to.
:)
Here's a couple sites about installation. One on ehow about afixing it to a stone How to Set a Veteran's Memorial Plaque | eHow
Here's one on setting it into the ground Installing Grave Markers in a Cemetery
Ya can count me into Sledge, I reckon the cooler could sacrifice the cost of a 12 pack or 2. ;)
Sirscrapalot - Your a good man Charlie Brown. - Not the chick who keeps yanking the ball from him.
dittoQuote:
Originally Posted by hobo finds
Thank you Bear, Sirscrapsalot and scrapping4ever!
Still hunting, but at the moment reaching a dead end-hopefully temporary. I may have to make a physical trip to the Morgan County Courthouse and do some digging. Luckily for me I used to work as the Director of Microfilm for my County.. So I know my way around old records and microfilm if it becomes necessary to "hunt the stacks! If his wife had an estate file opened with some decent information (since she passed second- all of his possessions would default to become hers) and hopefully a will would be in her estate file. Some do not.. but most files do so I would hope I could obtain information out of her will.
If I make the voyage, I'll just make it a day-trip and visit the Cemetery in Camby as well.. talk to the folks there, get to the burial site and see where we stand with it. I could then garnish the information about the ability to set a stone, maybe they could give me a local referral of someone to make the stone, set the plate, and have it installed. All information I need to gather to do this appropriately!
After some more digging I have found his originally posted obituary.
I have also reached out to the Morgan County Historian- as Silon Cemetery has no contact info to be found. I would like to find who the care-taker of the cemetery is if at all possible to begin discussions on placing this marker if I cannot find family.
The Obituary gives some great information that I did not previously have either. So it gives me some more to go on!!
Here is the Obit:
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...15298405_n.jpg
sledge,
check your in box. I was contacted by the IndyStar and I forwarded you the reporter's info.
Bill
The local funeral home would probably know the cemetery caretaker info
***UPDATE********
I Found an Heir. I was able to track down Barbara Hahn.. I found her address and number in Brownsburg Indiana. I held my breath and made the call- hoping it was the right woman. I just got off the phone with her husband. Sadly, Barbara has passed away.. But I am making arrangements to meet with her Husband tomorrow to present him with this marker! He is excited to get it and have it placed where it deserves to go. I told him that I had offers from multiple folks here to pitch in to assist him in making that happen.. he kindly refused the money. I cannot wait to meet with him tomorrow and make this exchange!
I will update this with the developments.. I want to thank each and everyone of you for all of your assistance, research, digging, offering of funds!! I love this forum and all of you in it!! Truly an AWESOME set of people we have here! Thank you all!!
Aaron
How cool! Man, Good Job!
If the conversation goes there you might mention it should be bolted(I'd suggest "tamper resistant") to a stone or a slab
I am glad that you found an heir, hope all goes well with the meeting.
Like Brandon an bear said. Good stuff.
Your a good fella Sledge, around of applause for tracking down the folks an doing what you felt was the right thing my friend.
Sirscrapalot - Respect is earned an lost by YOUR actions. - Someone wiser then me possibly..I dunno.
I had help!! And Lots of it. I thank everyone here who contributed.. in every way shape and form! Loving the end of this story!Quote:
Originally Posted by Sirscrapalot
Nice work Sledge and others that contributed...if the scrap dries up we got a bunch of PI's here.
Aaron
I salute you for your efforts to return what will complete the honor bestowed on some one for serving our country. Your time and that of the others that helped may go unrecognized by the public but it certainly will not be forgotten here on this forum.
Your diligence will not go unrewarded it will come back many times over in forms that you may not even realize. When you hand the marker to the family stand tall and feel proud for what you have done. It will restore one families faith in humanity.
Maybe a picture of the "handing over" of the plaque, in case the papers want to run with the article.
Yes, picture would be great. Do we have a scrapper of the year award? If we do I nominate you. If not maybe we should have that category.. I am sticking this thread.
All the crap we hear about scrappers an copper theft, etc.
This is a good story that should be shared with others that don't know, or misinformed on our business.
Not all of us are tweeker idiots looking for the next high. One bad apple and all that, time for a couple good apples to be tossed out there.
:)
Good call on the sticky Parrothead.
An again well done to all involved in tracking down heirs, etc. Ya'll make me proud to be a member of this forum, even more so at times like these.
Sirscrapalot - "And the golden Cooler award goes to...."
Sledge please accept a sharp salute from this old flatfoot. I have known detectives that wouldn't have put in half as much time as you did to return that marker to its rightful place. You sir have done yourself and your family proud. I hope this story gets the coverage it deserves.
Gosh guys.. I am humbled by all of your kind words. I am grateful for that.. Thanks to all of you for it!
I lost my grandfather in 2010.. He was also a WWII vet, serving our nation in the Navy. I remember at his services, he was given the 21 gun salute, taps. Honored for his service.. Hoping this plaque assists this family in a piece of their tribute to Mr. Simmons as well!
Wow, what a heartwarming thread! I sure missed a lot since reading the first few OP's. Sledge, you are to be commended!
Well folks, the transfer is complete. I met with Robert (Bob) Hahn today at his place of work. Beautiful day for a beautiful drive. He was thrilled to be in possession of this for his family once again. His daughter was the one who heard me leave a message on the machine the other day and she called Bob at work. I asked him if he would do me just one favor and let me know when it has been set, I would still like to visit the grave of this gentleman and pay my respects. I would also like to snap a picture so that all of you can see this monument at its final destination.
I was unable to get a picture with Bob and I.. which I know disappoints a few of you. It was a pretty non-frills exchange.. just a reverence of Mr. Simmons and the smile across my face.. knowing that this is one giant step closer to its home. I won't forget about this thread.. If I get any updates, info or pictures.. I will indeed post them for all of you to see.. this was a team effort.. and as such.. I'll update all of you as well!
Aaron
Thanks for doing this Sledge, I believe you will never regret it
I have one of these. It was done for my aunt and the engraver got the wrong last name on it. They of course did it over again and it was correct but it felt weird to get rid of the first one as it was the only one she had for almost a month until it was replaced. Maybe there was a similar situation with this family and that's why it's not important to them........ who could guess for sure, but I hope it's something like that. I would hate to think someone cared so little about a loved one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sledge42
Sad to say it did fall into the case of the "Someone cared so little about a loved one" category. But I was able to return it to the family. I was glad to find an heir that cared and would put it exactly where it deserved to be placed.Quote:
Originally Posted by EavesRecycling
Just read the rest of the thread. Very heartwarming story indeed. Definitely the "right" way for it to end!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by sledge42
This is a wonderful thing that you did! I am so glad I read this today.
Well shucks. Thanks. Felt right and felt good.Quote:
Originally Posted by spider03
The lady from the Indy star did get in touch with me.. oh probably 3 weeks ago. I answered all her questions.. but have no idea if the story every "ran" in the paper? Never heard from her again.
Please delete the gentleman's SS number...
I removed it but it is still listed on the death record at the link.Quote:
Originally Posted by BurlyGuys
Burly
I know it seems like an invasion of privacy but upon death and the death is reported to the social security administration the SS# goes into a SS# death index and becomes public record. The SS# at that point is useless even to the best of scammers.
Philip H Simmons number has expired and can’t be used again.