As we continue to review and discuss our flag policy, we have decided that any United States of America flags currently in place will not be removed until after July 4th this year. This is particularly significant as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary.
Our current policy* allows U.S. flags to be placed during Memorial Day and Veterans Day, which aligns with State and National Veterans’ Cemetery protocols. For Memorial Day, organized volunteer groups place flags at veterans’ graves (see M.G.L. Ch115, Sec. 9), and Newton Cemetery provides flags free of charge for individual visitors to ensure no veteran is overlooked.
To maintain the grounds and ensure a respectful environment, the Cemetery conducts seasonal clean-ups three times a year: approximately two weeks after Christmas, Easter, and Memorial Day. ALL decorations and tributes are removed on these dates, although U.S. flags are typically left in place for Flag Day.
To allow individuals the opportunity to claim tributes from graves before the clean-ups, notice of the dates are posted on the grounds, on the Newton Cemetery website, and an email reminder is provided prior to each clean-up date. The cemetery-wide clean-up dates are always clearly posted before any tributes are removed.
The early date of Memorial Day this year meant flags had been on display for over a month. Out of respect for the flags and the need for essential grounds maintenance, the decision was made to remove them shortly after Flag Day prior to the two-week window following the holiday. All United States flags that are removed by our staff are appropriately stored until a local veteran oversees their proper and respectful retirement.
For additional relevant perspective, you may be interested in the piece “Grave Decorating Flags in Cemeteries: A Discussion of Protocol” from the December 2001 Bulletin of the New York State Department of Cemeteries.
We hope this clarifies our procedures. We would be happy to speak with anyone personally if there are further questions or concerns.
–The Newton Cemetery Management Team
* To see the complete Newton Cemetery Rules & Regulations document, click here