On Memorial Day my family went to visit the gravesite of our Grandpa Don, a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. We were dismayed to see the condition of his gravesite and the entire valley park. The grass is overgrown to the point that it’s covering grave markers and benches that are dedicated to the memories of our lost family, friends and veterans. Large rocks and gravel left from the snow-plowing season are scattered throughout the grass and over headstones — not to mention the damage done to headstones by the snow-plows. Also, the mortuary didn’t post American flags at the gravesites of each veteran — including my Grandpa’s.
Upkeep should be done year-round to honor our lost but a higher level of respect should be given on Memorial Day.
Frances Jones and Frances Sims
Juneau
Comments (6)
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Who exactly is responsible for this gravesite?
Alaska Memorial Park Mortuary
Alaska Memorial Park Mortuary (I didn't put the name in the letter I submitted because I was worried the Empire wouldn't post it...) http://www.legacyalaska.com/facilities/juneau/alaskan-memorial-park-mort...
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While I agree that the
While I agree that the general landscape of the cemetery should be the responsibility of Alaska Memorial (rocks & gravel, overgrown grass, overgrown trees, etc) I would think that the family, if at possible, would make sure that the actual grave site was kept neat and tidy and I also think that the family would be responsible for the proper decorum of the grave site.
Tuesday - I agree with that
Tuesday - I agree with that too - the money paid for the grave site helps pay for the general landscaping that should be done on a regular basis. (We don't expect any upkeep to the actual headstone.)
I agree Tuesday
The family can pay for perpetual care, and this will care for the actual stone and site around it. When I go south and visit families stones, we bring a gallon of water, scrubby brush, scissors and paper towels to clean the headstones. We also clean the ones around the families. Then I place a little trinket on the headstone with love to show we have been there. Maybe if everyone else did this, it would make a big difference and I am sure the angels of families would smile as you did a good deed for the day.