As we continue to review and discuss our flag policy, we decided that United States of America (U.S.) flags placed at graves would not be removed until after July 4th this year.
Our current policy* allows U.S. flags to be placed during Memorial Day and Veterans Day, which generally aligns with State and National Veterans’ Cemetery protocols. For Memorial Day, organized volunteer groups place flags at most 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 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 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.
More recently, U.S. flags at graves have been left in place after the clean-up, through Flag Day. The early date of Memorial Day this year meant U.S. flags had been on display for over a month by Flag Day. Out of respect for the flags and the need for essential grounds maintenance, all flags were removed shortly after Flag Day. U.S. flags removed by our staff are appropriately stored until a local veteran oversees their proper and respectful retirement.
For additional relevant perspective, you may read “Grave Decorating Flags in Cemeteries: A Discussion of Protocol“.
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
updated July 20, 2026
* To see the complete Newton Cemetery Rules & Regulations document, click here