03/04/2025
Just a friendly reminder that it is now March 4, 2025 and as of March 1, 2025 all decorations need to be removed from gravesites. This includes wreaths, grave blankets, artificial flowers, statues, mementos, rocks, toys, etc. We will be going through the cemetery starting Monday March 10th and any mementos or sentimental items will be placed in bag and marked with the name and or section and lot number and be stored at our maintenance building for a period of 30 days.
We however, can not save every item removed from each grave. Live flowers, wreaths, grave blankets and most artificial flowers will be discarded. This gives you ample time to come out still and get your items.
This has not been enforced enough in the past.
You may return these items November 15 through March 1.
There are some holidays throughout the year that items are allowed please see our rules and regulations on these listed in our office, on website or you can use your smart phone and pull up the regulations by stopping by the signs at the main entrance of both cemeteries and use your camera on your phone to pull up the regulations.
I apologize in advance for this but it has to be done every year. These items can become hazards when mowing season is upon us. If these items get caught in the blades of the mowers they will shoot out and damage whatever is in their path.
We understand the need to want to put sentimental items at your loved ones grave and or memorial but the rules still have to be enforced.
We cannot guarantee items placed on sites will not be damaged or stolen. This does happen on occasion and not by choice or at fault of Union Cemetery. I have seen strong winds cause items to blow off graves and end up along fence line and we have no way of knowing who these items belong to.
We will also be addressing wind chimes later this year. They have become a problem with so many in the trees they cause damage to the limbs and if too many of them get placed in one tree it also puts its toll on the branches. It is within our rights to remove these if they get out of hand. And unfortunately it has come to that.
But one thing at a time. I will post way in advance when the time comes to start removing wind chimes.
American Flags and or flag holders are permitted on graves at all times. However like I mentioned above these flags will eventually wear out get torn or fade and be torn off the stick they are on. We try to replace them when possible but they do not always get replaced.
Sincerely,
Jimmie J. Blevins
General Manager
