Disrespect to this countries Fallen Heroes

[Rong]

I am appaled. St Raymonds Cemetary has without notification, removed my wifes brothers picture and flower holder from his gravesite. It (his picture and flower holder)has been there for 37 years and at that time permission was asked and granted by the cemetary. He was a US Veteran who died from injuries recieved in Vietnam. A Hero. The emotional devestation to the family is unmeasurable. The arrogance to treat his gravesite with such indifference is without parralell. The person or people who perpetrated this should be brought to court . Such disrespect for a Fallen Heroe should not be allowed. What they did at the cemetary did is CRIMINAL. I urge all Veterans to protest this arbitrary treatment of this countries fallen heroes at St. Raymonds Cemetary in the Bronx.

[Ivan]

It would appear it is owned by the Archdiocese of New York. I'd suggest you contact the Administrator of the cemetery: http://straymondparish.org/cemetery.html before organizing protests, et cetera.

[codekeyguy]

You might be up against the policies of the cemetary. St. Mary's Cemetary in Wappingers Falls, NY does not allow any artificial decorations unless permanently a part of the headstone. I agree that you should contact St. Raymond's administration to find out the policy. It may have changed, OR you might be "grandfathered" in, or it could just be groundskeeper stupidity.

[Ivan]

Originally Posted by codekeyguy

<snip> or it could just be groundskeeper stupidity.

That's my vote. Especially if it is new/seasonal workers that have no idea (yes, they are out there).

Awhile back I came across a story where a company had been hired to clean-up and maintain an older and somewhat neglected cemetery. Well, in their zeal they no only cleared the tall grass and debris, but hauled-off parts of broken headstones and whole headstones that had fallen over!

So, the removal of those items does not surprise me. UNLESS they were forcibly removed from the headstone - then that's another story entirely!

Though, the question begs to be asked: are you sure it wasn't vandalized or stolen?

[Rong]

They were forcibly removed and damaged. No notification. Politicians I know are getting involved. The family is going to SUE for emotional damage to them, imagine going to pay your respects to your brother and finding that "permanent" fixtures were removed.

[Bob Santamaria]

Originally Posted by Rong

They were forcibly removed and damaged. No notification. Politicians I know are getting involved. The family is going to SUE for emotional damage to them, imagine going to pay your respects to your brother and finding that "permanent" fixtures were removed.

I am sure that this is painful for you and your family, but has your experience of life tended to suggest that litigation makes things better for people, or worse? I am a barrister and hope never to resolve any of my difficulties by litigation.

My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. I especially treasure the memories of Vietnam veterans, dying as they did to fight against communism.

Adrian

[Ivan]

Originally Posted by Rong

They were forcibly removed and damaged. No notification. Politicians I know are getting involved. The family is going to SUE for emotional damage to them, imagine going to pay your respects to your brother and finding that "permanent" fixtures were removed.

That is terrible! My first thought would have been "vandals"! Did the cemetery admit to removing the items or was it vandalization?

[Rong]

I have been advised to have this Thread to be deleted. Please remove it. Thanks Ron G