Jan. 29, 2019
HARRISBURG – The Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness (VAEP) Committee and its chairman, Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware), unanimously voted in favor of a resolution that would urge the president and Congress to preserve underwater graves of service members who died defending our nation.
Currently, the graves are being dug up by people who are looking to steal the scrap metal of the boats’ propellers because the metal is an unusual one that can yield $1,000 a ton.
“The irreverence for the veteran bodies that rest with our ships that were sunk in the southeast Asia seas during World War II is disturbing,” Barrar said. “It’s my sincere hope that this resolution, after receiving support from the full House, gains the attention of our Pennsylvania Congress members, many of whom are new this legislative session. Our veterans deserve to rest in peace.”
House Bill 233, which was also unanimously approved, would amend the Second Class County Code by enhancing provisions for flags on veterans’ graves. With the passage of this bill, the practice in Allegheny County would become consistent with the other 66 counties in the Commonwealth.
After receiving support from the VAEP Committee, both pieces of legislation move to the full House for consideration.
To view footage of the House Veterans’ Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee’s meeting, click here.
Representative Stephen E. Barrar
160th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
717.260.6206
aevans@pahousegop.com
SteveBarrar.com /
Facebook.com/RepBarrar