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| At least 150 grave markers used as flooring (Photo credit WPRI) |
It horrified me when I read the headline, but then I read the full story and his explanation, and felt a bit more charitable towards this guy. (A bit.....not a lot......)
Read the story then let me know your opinion!
5 comments:
Hmmm. As I think about this, I am not horrified, disappointed fits better. My reaction reflects my feelings about how I've instructed and am preparing for my family to treat my remains after death. I want to take up as little space on earth after death as possible, so along with cremation and scattering, there will be no stone marker. There will be plenty of records to follow. I suppose the families of these veterans and all those to whom a stone marker is so symbolic of the life lived, this is a desecration. My heart goes out to them if they learn that the damaged marker of their loved one was so used. I am, however, appalled at the betrayal of trust demonstrated by this employee. Regardless of how he felt about the damaged and replaced markers, his responsibility was to honor the expectations of his employers and the families. Shame, shame, shame on him.
But why would it be "correct procedure" to "grind up" any headstone? What about that statement in this article?
After the original is ground up is a replacement put in it's place? Don't they need the original to make sure the engraving is the same?
A definite lack of respect, which seems to be on the increase, especially where Veterans are concerned. NO, I do not think it is excusable, apart from his lack of respect, he is also a thief, I hope they prosecute.
In a way, I side with the employee even though 'he knew that he was acting against established protocol'. I feel he was preserving these grave markers in his own way, but to use them as flooring material in outbuildings doesn't seem to be respectful. I, also, don't understand the established protocol of 'grinding' up grave markers that have been marked for destruction. What event or events can occur that would mean that an individual's grave marker would need to be destroyed? A possible answer appears to be in the link, WPRI. When a grave marker is damaged and replacement is necessary, the original becomes marked for destruction? To be destroyed as there is a new replacement seems to be the equivalent to proper disposal of our American flag when no longer fit for flying. This brings me back to the employee's act...a poor judgement on how to re-purpose/recycle the material. If one is to re-purpose/recycle, then it needs to be done in a respectful manner. Thank you.
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