As a U.S. Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, I was deeply saddened by what I experienced at Newton Cemetery on Walnut Street in Newton.
Several members of my family buried there proudly served our nation in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, and I have also purchased my own burial plot at the cemetery. For Memorial Day and Flag Day, American flags and military service flags were placed on their graves in recognition of their sacrifice. When I visited on Father’s Day, every flag and brass holder had been removed.
On June 22nd, I went to the cemetery and was told that no flags, including the flag of the United States of America would be permitted on any grave until next Memorial Day. When I asked whether that included Independence Day and Veterans Day, I was told, “No flags until next Memorial Day.” Cemetery workers confirmed they had been instructed to remove all flags.
As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday, this policy is difficult to understand. The American flag is not a decoration; it is a symbol of sacrifice, service, and freedom. Prohibiting families from displaying it at the graves of veterans, even on Independence Day and Veterans Day dishonors the memory of those who served!
I respectfully urge the Newton Cemetery to reconsider this policy and allow families to honor America’s veterans with the flag we fought to defend.
Respectfully,
Donald P. Doherty
Waltham