Newton Independent
City of Newton officials said today that due to the proliferation of the placement of unallowed items at grave sites in the veteran's section of Newton Union Cemetery they will begin enforcing city code and removing unacceptable memorials.
Keith Laube, Newton's public works director, said in a press release that a city code enacted in 1995 only allows for small vases for temporary display of cut flowers to be placed next to a veteran's marker. Veteran graves are identified with a flat gray granite marker, both inside and outside the veteran's section. The flowers are to be removed once they wither.
During the past few years, Laube said, such things as benches, statues, shepherd hooks, wishing wells, solar lights, plaques, rocks, signs, beer cans and liquor bottles have been appearing next to veteran grave sites.
"While these items may have importance to loved ones and fellow combatants, the abundance of these items in the veteran's section has diminished the respectful image of those who have served our country," he said. "There is a strong desire among veterans in the Jasper County Veteran's Council to return the veteran's section of the cemetery to an appearance more in line with the way it was originally intended. The purpose of the veteran's section was to show respect to those who have served our country."
The end of March and the week after the Fourth of July are designated clean-up times at Union Cemetery. Laube said cemetery staff have recently completed cleaning the veteran's section and will be enforcing city code and removing items not allowed.
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