Just five days after hundreds of wreaths were placed on veterans’ graves in Glacier Memorial Gardens north of Kalispell, roughly 170 have been stolen.

The wreaths were placed Saturday by members of the Flathead Composite Squadron MT053 of the U.S. Civil Air Patrol as part of the national Wreaths Across America campaign. Kalispell’s event was one of more than 400 such events held across the country.

Senior squadron member Dale Rodwick said he believes the thefts started happening Monday. He said he was shocked but that the situation “is what it is.”

“I’ve been driving around town looking around in Christmas tree lots,” Rodwick said. He said he believes the wreaths were stolen to be resold.

“I’m going to organize the Flathead Composite Squadron cadets and we are going to go to every Christmas tree lot in the valley.”

The total value of the missing wreaths is approximately $2,500, according to Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry.

The wreaths are 12 inches across with red bows and metal frames. The wreaths have white tags on the back saying they are made by Worcester Wreath Co. in Maine with balsam pine for Wreaths Across America.

There are no suspects at this point.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at [email protected].