‘Heartbroken’ by cemetery changes

May 28, 2019

To The Editor:

I was heartbroken to learn that the Wareham Cemetery Commission is now enforcing strict guidelines on what may or may not be placed at graves.

When I go to a cemetery and see wind chimes, floral arrangements, figurines, and other sentimental items I see the grieving family and friends whose outward expression of grief is how they are dealing with loss. These items are not offensive. They are not trash. They are gifts to a departed loved one who can no longer be embraced.

Stripping away human emotions in the form of grave-site decorations seems authoritarian at best and cruel at worst.

Are we now to see homogenized cemetery landscapes devoid of any individual expression of love? Are we now expected to simply accept that rules are enforced for the greater good of all or for the ease of grass mowing?

Whatever the case may be, it speaks volumes to the arbitrary nature of town boards and commissions.

Next thing that will happen is that fines will be imposed for violations to cleanliness rules at Wareham cemeteries. Will those fines be earmarked for maybe new flowering bushes to be planted at the cemeteries, or will such fines go into the general fund? It’s a rhetorical question in case you are poised to answer.

I was told today that my grandfather’s grave which has been located in the Agawam Cemetery since the early 1950’s may have the hosta plants, which another deceased relative planted there decades ago, chopped out of the ground. Really?

I’m glad my Mother who now rests a few feet away from her Father isn’t alive to witness that senseless act.

Wareham Cemetery Commission, you should be ashamed.

Marilou Newell