Shame on thieves
Recently, I visited my father's grave at the Bella Vista Memorial Garden Cemetery so I could continue to honor him by changing the flowers that were placed there on Memorial Day.
Much to my disappointment and irritation, I arrived at the columbarium and found the flower container missing.
Another gentleman was there, also placing a new arrangement for a loved one. Neither of us knew the practices of the cemetery association as it relates to removing flowers and containers.
I looked up the phone number and called the cemetery manager.
James Rather was very helpful. He kindly explained that wilted flowers and extremely faded or tattered artificial flowers were removed and trashed in order to keep the grounds looking beautiful and respectful.
He also advised me all glass containers were removed and taken to their storage facility on the grounds so there is not the danger of broken glass throughout the cemetery.
He said all other containers and arrangements are left on their respective graves.
He suggested I look around the cemetery in case someone had "borrowed" the container for their flowers in the event they had forgotten to bring their own vase.
With a hopeful glance, I did look around and, of course, did not find the beautiful metal basin my family and I had chosen to honor my father's life.
I find it repulsive and infuriating to think that someone took this symbol of our love and respect for our father and are using it for their own yard ornament.
It is not only illegal to steal, but to steal from a cemetery where the deceased are supposed to be respected and esteemed is just plain immoral.
Who stoops to this sort of depravity?
This is uncharacteristic behavior of the Bella Vistans I know and love. Shame on you if your patio is decorated with stolen flowerpots from the graves of our loved ones.
You should return them today.
Nancy Gatchel Plagge
Berryville
General News on 07/30/2014