This policy explains the size and type of flags permitted, when individual flags may be placed at Newton Cemetery, and when flags will be removed.
Newton Cemetery’s current flag policy1 allows individual United States flags to be placed on graves for Memorial Day and Veterans Day. This generally aligns with State and National Veterans’ Cemetery protocols. Individual United States flags may be no larger than 12 x 17 inches. Other flags and flag holders are not permitted.
The United States flag is flown daily at the three veterans lots, providing year-round honor to all veterans buried within Newton Cemetery.
For Memorial Day, a United States flag may be placed on each grave up to one week before the holiday. Organized volunteer groups traditionally place flags at most veterans’ graves on the Wednesday before Memorial Day (see M.G.L. Ch. 115, Sec. 9). Newton Cemetery does not place flags for Memorial Day, but provides flags free of charge for individual visitors so no veteran is overlooked.
For Veterans Day, United States flags may be placed on individual graves from November 6 through November 12.
Flags placed for Memorial Day will be removed by staff during the cemetery-wide clean-up following Memorial Day, when all tributes are removed from graves.2 Flags placed for Veterans Day will be removed after November 12. Staff may remove any flag before these dates if, in staff’s judgment, it is not in good condition. Flags removed by staff will be retired properly.
1. To see the complete Newton Cemetery Rules & Regulations document, visit the linked Rules & Regulations document.
2. 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 tributes and decorations are removed on these dates. To allow individuals the opportunity to claim tributes from graves before clean-ups, notice of the dates is posted on the grounds and on the Newton Cemetery website, and an email reminder is available upon request before each clean-up date.