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Plaque honoring local veteran stolen from American Legion Post

TYNGSBORO, Mass. — A plaque in memory of a local veteran has disappeared and his family is calling the stolen tribute a stab to the heart.

For many veterans, American Legion Post 247 in Tyngsboro is where lifelong friendships are built on the bonds of service and sacrifice.

"That's what it's all about. This place is for the vets," said Kevin Shanahan, American Legion Post 247.

Which is why it was so painful for the family of Zenon Morrisette - or Zenny as he was known - when they discovered the plaque placed in his memory was gone; ripped right off its screws.

Whenever Zenny and his wife would visit, they would sit in the same spot every single time. They put the plaque in that spot to honor him.

Morrisette's grandson, Sergeant First Class Keith Killgren Jr., spoke with Boston 25 News reporter Stephanie Coueignoux over the phone from Kuwait. He said his mother had gone to Post 247 on Feb. 9 - the 2nd anniversary of her father's passing. That's when she learned the plaque had disappeared several months earlier.

"It was just heartbreaking- especially on the anniversary of his passing. I want the story to be put out there so the person who is responsible for this feels a little guilty and feels horrible for their actions," said Killgren.

Kevin Shanahan, who works at Post 247, says they would have called the family, but they didn't have any contact information. He says they have just as many questions as the family and showed us that a second memorial to Zenny that was never touched.

"We've gone through the tapes. We've tried to investigate it and again- nobody in here would take that. Nobody would do that," said Shanahan.

They plan on installing a new plaque on the same spot.

For Killgren, he said his grandfather's 38 years of service deserves more.

"He's the reason why I continued serving in the military. Every time I would come home, he would have a sparkle in his eye and I could see how proud he was of me and I just- he was my hero. He really was," said Killgren.