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Lynn police investigating ‘possible theft’ of flowers from memorial to fallen Marines – Boston 25 News

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LYNN, Mass. – Lynn police are investigating the possible theft of six large flower pots at the memorial to a fallen Marine.

L/Comp. Bradley J. Campus, 21, of Lynn, was one of 241 American soldiers killed in the 1983 bombings of the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.

Last October, as we commemorated the 40th anniversary of the tragedy, Campus family members and local veterans attended the dedication of the memorial in Campus’ name near the playground on Clark Street.

Just a few months after the dedication — late February or early March — Griffin discovered the 50-pound flower pots were missing and initially assumed the city government had put them in storage. But after checking recently, Griffin discovered they had been stolen, he told Boston 25 News.

Marine veteran Charlie Griffin, a family friend who helped bring the body home from campus 40 years ago, was instrumental in the memorial’s creation and dedication.

“Even though it was 40 years ago, it feels like it was yesterday. And even now I get a little emotional when I think about him,” Griffin said. “It is so disrespectful and dishonorable to do this. And it hurts.”

Lynn Marine Flower Pots (Lynn Police Department)

The situation is also painful for Campus’ family, including Lindsay Lundy, who was born months after her uncle’s death but grew up knowing her uncle was a local hero.

“Some would say, ‘Oh, they’re just flower pots.’ That’s not even the point,” Lundy said. “It’s the fact that this is Lynn’s hero, someone who gave his life. We dedicated this memorial to him and when someone goes in and allegedly steals, it is very disheartening.”

Lundy said her uncle had a bright future ahead of him, but it was cut short. Today he would be 62 years old and perhaps have a family and perhaps the bakery he dreamed of opening in the North End. As she honors the memory of a man she never met, she hopes whoever stole the flower pots or has information respects her uncle enough to come forward.

“Do the right thing,” Lundy said. “Do what’s right for Brad, for our family and for the city.”

Lynn police are investigating the case as a “possible theft” and ask anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 781-477-3190.

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