Fr. Calvo of Holy Name Parish in Deerfield, MA has received an advisory from the Chief Michael J. Wozniakewicz of the Deerfield Police Department in relation to recent thefts of military flag holders from cemeteries in the Franklin/Hampshire County area. These thefts have taken place since the first of February. Your parishioners should take precaution to remove their flag holders and flags for the remainder of the winter, and report to the Police Department if any items are missing from a cemetery.

It is believed the bronze flag holders are being taken for the metal’s value and melted down for resale.

Parish cemetery managers should take note as it is likely that these unfortunate incidents are not limited to one area of Massachusetts.