As Memorial Day approaches, new rules govern flags on veterans’ graves

Monaca's Suzanne D. Mamone fought to have legislation passed to ensure veterans' graves are properly cared for and she wants everyone to remember that with Memorial Day approaching.

Mamone worked alongside former Republican state Rep. Jim Christiana to have legislation passed for first-class counties and third- through eighth-class counties. Beaver County is a fourth-class county, based on its population.

"I believe in reverence. I believe in doing the right thing for a meaningful purpose for our veterans. I believe in respecting the American flag. It should never look unsightly," she writes in a greeting to those volunteering to distribute flags. "We all need to take time to remember all those who served in the military and not forget about honoring them."

There is legislation pending in the House that would apply similar flag standards to second-class counties, such as Allegheny County.

This is the first Memorial Day that the new rules are in place concerning flags on graves and now is the time when families and organizations, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Elks, will be out placing flags.

The law allows cemeteries to remove Memorial Day flags as part of their "normal course of maintenance" no sooner than the first working day after July 4, but before Veteran's Day in November. However, flags must be offered back to families or veterans organizations so they can be placed back on graves for Veteran's Day.

Flags placed on Memorial Day and removed after the first working day after Veteran's Day should be offered back to families, too.

Anyone who removes flags from veterans' graves, other than family members or those working for cemeteries, before the first working day after July 4 could be subject to a summary offense and a $300 fine.

Mamone also said local groups placing flags starting on Thursday need all the volunteers they can get.

Wes Hill, the commander of Rochester VFW Post 128, said his post will place "several thousand" flags on graves in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park in Daugherty Township alone, while his post, Legion posts and Elks clubs across the county will take care of other cemeteries.

Hill said organizations will start putting flags out on Thursday and will probably be busy doing so for a few days. Volunteers from the Boy Scouts of America, baseball clubs and fire departments will be helping out, Hill said, but there can never be enough volunteers to handle the daunting task to make sure every veterans' grave gets a flag.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact their local VFW, Legion or Elks chapter, Hill said.

As for those flags that are worn and tattered, Hill said his post collects flags of every size and holds retirement ceremonies for them twice a year.

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