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Community Works To Rebuild Vandalized Cemetery

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Community Works To Rebuild Vandalized Cemetery

COLLINGDALE, Pa. (CBS 3) ― Community volunteers gathered to re-set headstones after a series of vandalisms have recently plagued the historic Eden Cemetery in Collingdale, Pa.

Over the past two weeks, 201 headstones have been toppled over in the historic African-American cemetery that dates back over a century.

"This is devastating to families," said Junious Rhone of Eden Cemetery. "We just want to apologize to all of the families that have relatives here."

According to police, the accounts appear to be "random" and are most likely the work of "punk kids with nothing better to do."

Authorities assume it was a group; the heavy stones that weigh hundreds of pounds a piece had to be moved by more than one individual.

An ongoing investigation began Monday after a man found that his father's grave in the Lester Martin section of the cemetery had been vandalized.

In addition to looking for suspects, police are also organizing a grass roots effort to aid construction crews in resetting the head stones.

The notable cemetery is the final resting place for prominent figures like singer Marian Anderson, as well as William Still, often referred to as "the father of the Underground Railroad."

If you would like to assist in the continued effort to help rebuild the cemetery, Collingdale police ask that you call 610-586-0502.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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