My daughter and I made the rounds at various cemeteries to decorate/clean up family gravestones.

[Frustratedlady]

I was shocked that there weren't more graves decorated. I'd guess at least 70% less than in previous years and that was in 3 cemeteries. I've decorated and cleaned off the grass clippings on the stones for almost 60 years and never seen anything like this.

It was a beautiful morning. We saw very few people. The buffalo gnats were in abundance, but no people. How sad.

It was comforting though to visit the graves. I had a sick feeling that I wouldn't be able to accomplish this task, this year, but thanks to my daughter, we got it done. Now, however, since these were live potted plants, we will have to go back and pick them up on Tuesday since people steal them from the graves. I kid you not.

[catbyte]

1. Maybe it's a good thing. Maybe they're staying home. I am.

I've put flowers on my sister's grave who died before I was born ever since my parents weren't able to, but not this year. Her grave is 70 miles away and I don't feel comfortable driving that far or buying flowers. I think she would understand. I'm glad you were able to, though.

[Frustratedlady]

5. Miles would make a difference. I have decorated over 20 graves each year, but cut back to immediate

family of parents and siblings, this year. The furthest cemetery was 20 miles away.

We DID, however, track down my great-grandparents' graves. I had not been able to find it since I was a young kid. In those days, decorating the graves included mowing, a picnic and a huge family gathering together.

My great-grandfather was a Captain in the Civil War. I could picture the graves, but could not, for the life of me, find the right road that led to it. Finding it was a great accomplishment. Fortunately, the county had mowed the cemetery (established in 1865), and we didn't have to.

I also meant to mention the long rows of US flags lining the drives. The wind was blowing gently and they waved in a proud display. That always gives me goosebumps; particularly with the situation in our country today.

[Siwsan]

2. My brother and I do the same thing, every year.

I know he's keen to go, tomorrow, but I'd rather put it off. It's going to be blazing hot with thunderstorms, in the afternoon.

Although I do have to admit, a change of scenery would be nice, right now, even if it is a tour of the local cemeteries.

[jimfields33]

3. Yes during a pandemic, let's have thousands put flowers on graves

Nobody should be doing that at this time.

[Frustratedlady]

10. I just finished my 16th week of staying at home 24/7, wearing masks when anyone delivers items,

or I need to go to a medical appointment. I am not reckless during this pandemic.

We went to 3 cemeteries, decorated the graves and were nowhere near any people, whatsoever. It was important to me to honor the vets in my family...my husband, who was a Marine during the Korean War; my brother, who was in the Navy during WWII. It was also comforting to pay homage to my parents and in-laws. I was just sorry I wasn't able to go to the other graves because they were further away.

[mercuryblues]

4. Veterans organizations and cemeteries canceled a

lot of their activities today because of some kind of virus going around.

[msongs]

6. the america loving trump army was not out there cleaning up? shocked nt

[Rhiannon12866]

7. I feel pretty safe going to the cemetery

It's obviously outdoors and not too many people around, though I did see several cars when I went last week which is unusual. I bring my Dad a new candle every week. I started doing it, then my mother took over, then my brother, now it's back to me. My brother still orders the candles, though. Fortunately, that cemetery is pretty close - I haven't gotten back to where my grandmother is for a few months.

[JI7]

8. I'm guessing it's older people who tend to take care of these things so most are staying

inside or away from usual public places.

[Liberal In Texas]

9. The graves of my parents are hundreds of miles away.

I can't even see my kids and grandkids who are also hundreds of miles away let alone go to cemeteries.

It's nice you were able to do this.

[DeminPennswoods]

11. There were a few folks out when I went

to clean up the graves of both sides of my family. I inherited the job from my parents and am probably the last one who will do it. It's kind of sad to think about that. Except for 1, my immediate family of parents, aunts and uncles have all been cremated, ashes scattered or kept with the kids. The graves are of their parents, aunts and uncles. My relatives are buried in a few different cemetaries, but none are far away. I don't mind going out, though, and find it a peaceful and respectful duty. The last few years, I've been buying artificial flowers as more cemetaries prohibit planting.

[Frustratedlady]

12. I find it comforting, as well. The US flags lining the drives give a feeling of pride and peace.

Going to the cemeteries was a constant I needed...a return to some semblance of order in this upside/down country we're living in now.

My daughter will be the one to carry on the traditional decorating of graves. She has gone with me the last 20 years or so and knows how important that task has been for me. We were also able to have a nice conversation about past decoration days and how it has changed very little over the years. I remember my mother being so upset when they changed Memorial Day celebrations to Mondays. I think of that every year.

[DeminPennswoods]

13. The cemetaries I visit are still pretty

well kept up, but there are more and more where the owner (private or public) can no longer afford to keep them maintained.