Only desperately sick steal from gravesites
DEAR EDITOR:
Memorial Day is the day we honor those who died while serving in the U.S. military. In recognition of those who died and also those who served in the U.S military, flags are placed on their graves.
My husband passed last year and did serve in the Army. After his death, I went to the Veterans Service Commission to complete notification of his death. At that time I was given a brass flag holder and flag for his grave. It was suggested that I not place the holder on his grave but maybe place it in my yard since so many of the holders are stolen and sold for scrap. I am going to follow that suggestion because it’s possible his flag holder could be stolen and because of my experience after his burial.
His funeral and burial was on a Friday. I wanted to take a couple of flowers from his casket spray, and I thought I could come back the next day, check to see that things were right and get the flowers. Upon going to his grave, I was appalled to see someone had stolen all of the beautiful flowers from the spray; not one was left.
I find it so sad, disrespectful and desperately sick that someone could do this. Where is decency when someone will desecrate the final resting place of your loved one?
So, on Memorial Day this Monday, I will visit my husband’s grave, place a flag there (without the holder) and remember that this was a very special day for us, as it would have been our 52nd wedding anniversary.
LORETTA NEILL
Youngstown