Southern Tier Cemeteries Make Major Changes

A number of cemeteries in the Southern Tier are making changes.  I was brought up to go with my parents each Memorial Day or on Mother's Day or Father's Day for my Grandmother and Grandfather to pay my respects to those loved ones who are no longer with us.

This Memorial Day I went to plant flowers at my Mom's grave, my two Grandmothers, Grandfather and aunts at two different cemeteries in the Southern Tier.  I went back to water at the cemetery on Riverside Drive in Johnson City recently and was stopped by a couple.  They were nice enough to tell me that the property had new rules and that no live plants, artificial flowers, vases, statues or holiday wreaths would be allowed in the cemetery anymore. After a certain date, the cemetery association would be digging up and throwing out any plants that were left at graves. At first, I thought they were kidding but I could see on their face how angry and serious they were.

When I reached out to the cemetery association, I did not receive a call back.  The couple stated that the cemeteries were running out of help and money they were told we should be lucky they were mowing the grass, which is full of weeds.

This really bothered me.  My family was pretty upset when I delivered the news.  It saddens me that my family is not able to bring my Grandmother's favorite flowers to the final resting place of my cherished family.

What was once a pretty cemetery filled with trees, shrubs and natural flowers is now a stark, cold and ugly cemetery. Slowly the trees and shrubs disappeared and now all beauty is vanishing forever.

Have you been asked to do the same?  Or what would you do if you were asked to remove all tributes to loved ones?  Please share your thoughts below.