It’s common practice for loved ones to visit the gravesite of family or friends who’ve died, and often leave flowers or another item to honor their memory.
There are, however, regulations for what can be placed at gravesites in cemeteries operated by the city of Holland, a subject of intense discussion in local online forums this summer.
Here’s all you need to know about what is, and isn’t, allowed at Holland cemeteries:
What cemeteries does the city of Holland operate?
The city of Holland owns, operates and maintains two cemeteries — Pilgrim Home Cemetery and Graafschap Cemetery. They’re organized under the purview of the Holland Parks and Recreation Department.
Pilgrim Home Cemetery is located along 16th Street between Fairbanks Avenue and Lane Avenue. Graafschap Cemetery is located on Graafschap Road between 29th Street and 32nd Street.
Why are there restrictions on items that can be placed at gravesites?
According to Parks and Recreation Director Andy Kenyon, the rules are primarily about aesthetics.
“We want to make sure the cemeteries look their best all the time, for everybody,” he said.
Kenyon added officials tend to extend grace, rather than remove disallowed items right away, “particularly around a birthday or (date of death).”
What items are allowed?
Green metal baskets with real flowers are allowed on gravesites May 15-Oct. 15, according to Kenyon. The baskets can be purchased from the city for $20.
In the winter, Nov. 1-April 1, the city allows wreaths to be placed on stands, available at no charge, at gravesites. Grave blankets, however, aren’t allowed.
Memorial trees and benches may also be allowed in certain circumstances, Kenyon said. These must be approved by and coordinated through the city to make sure they’re placed in appropriate areas, rather than at specific gravesites.
What items aren’t allowed?
There are several items restricted from gravesites, per city policy. Those include fake flowers, shepherd’s hooks, stand-up decorations and, outside of Memorial Day, flags.
However, the city makes one notable exception.
“Flags are really not allowed … but our cemetery team has allowed flags inside of those cemetery baskets, as long as they’re not falling on the ground,” Kenyon said. “It’s a rule, it’s stated that you can’t have them, but we do permit it.”
Kenyon referenced a recent social media post in which a resident posted about a flag being removed from a gravesite. He said, while marking the item for removal was technically within policy, it was an accident.
“The whole thing on Facebook was an effort from some of our team members and our staff to remind people of (the rules),” he said. “The instructions were to put (a notice) anywhere there weren’t any real flowers in a basket. They did so with some flags inadvertently.”
Flags are permitted on gravesites, even under policy, on Memorial Day. Residents may place flags that are 12-by-18 inches or smaller and leave them for 10 days.
Outside of the holiday, flags can’t be placed directly in the ground because they may fall over. A flag on the ground is a violation of flag code.
How much do gravesites cost?
Gravesites at both cemeteries are $800, according to a pamphlet on the city’s website. There are additional fees for burials and services. For more information, visit cityofholland.com/487/rules-regulations-pricing.
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Are flags allowed at Pilgrim Home, Graafschap Cemetery? Here’s what to know
Reporting by Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
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