Talk of Lufkin

By Eddie Arnold

September 20, 2009 11:07 PM | Link to this

This goes to show you where Diboll’s city council has their priorities. Poor decision and a total lack of respect and concern for lost family members of the community. Surely they have better things to do than make policy like this. Where is the compassion?

By thomas roberts

September 20, 2009 11:09 PM | Link to this

thats wrong i don’t see where the city of diboll can tell famlies what they can put on grave sites how would they like it if someone told them wat they can or cannot put on the graves of there lovedones…….. THAT IS SORRY OF THE CITY COUNCIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Gary Edwards

September 21, 2009 2:01 AM | Link to this

While I’m very sympathetic to the family of their beloved departed family member, but there (in their case) is a limit to being berieved and downright gaudy. I think a simple flower arrangement is sufficient (hopefully artificial if left for any length of time). I have heartfelt feelings for the family, but I feel if it gets so unattractive (as in this case)it’s actually sickening to the point of not getting on with life as I would suspect the dearly no longer alive and once a viable person presently would want them to carry on like this. There is no doubt their love for this person, but obsessing is not healthy. I somewhat side with the graveside ban.

By you have got to be kidding

September 21, 2009 3:53 AM | Link to this

The way you grieve for you loved one is NO ONES business. I don’t care what it looks like, a graveyard is not a showpiece for other people or should it be on the tour route. If you can not feel for this family then you have no feelings. As long as it doesn’t flow over into someone else’s gravesite, then it’s their business. They have paid for that piece of property in not only money, but BLOOD, SO LEAVE THEM ALONE. How would you like to be told how to grieve for your loved ones? If they do this, then we should pass a law where our loved ones can be buried on our property, and I KNOW that will not happen. I have NEVER considered ANYTHING on someone’s grave in poor taste. If they do this, then the next thing on the list will be we have to cremate EVERYONE, because all of the cemeteries are taking away from the land that is needed for more restaurants, shopping malls and other urban development. This is just another way of taking away our rights and I say Diboll officials should go take care of something more suitable like lowering taxes, funding schools, feeding the hungry, etc. and quit bothering grieving families.

By Stop & Think

September 21, 2009 6:04 AM | Link to this

Sounds like the current city council needs to be voted out of office! Time to clean house in Diboll! What a crock! Don’t these people have more important issues to deal with???

By kick them all out

September 21, 2009 6:14 AM | Link to this

you voted them in ……. you vote them out!!!!!!

By Wondering About Law

September 21, 2009 6:33 AM | Link to this

Are there any old, long standing laws that would keep the city from doing this? It seems there would be. Times have changed, but if there is an OLD law (from times when graves and lives were held more scared), maybe it would give this mother a supporting foundation for this grave situation. Someone needs to research old laws to see if there is anything legal that would keep the city from doing this to this mother who has not even had a year to adjust to the loss of her son.

By The Big Picture

September 21, 2009 7:13 AM | Link to this

I do not live in Diboll, nor do I even know where the Forest Haven Cemetery is, but I would like introduce another side to this story. How are the grave sites obtained…are the plots purchased, a gate fee paid, or a matter of donation to the cemetery? Who maintains the property…is the care contracted out, or do volunteers tend it? For example, Garden of Memories plots must be purchased, however eventhough you own it there are specific guidelines as to the what can and cannot be placed on a site. On the other hand, cemeteries that charge a gate fee retain the property.
While agreed people mourn and grieve in many different ways, placement of memorabilia at gravesites becomes a huge maintenance and liability issue. The extra ornamentation is an obstacle to mowers and trimming devices. Extra care and time must be taken to keep the site looking well for everyone. This calculates into great expense. Furthermore, missing or broken special articles, whether it be from maintenance, weather, or even vandals, can be further devastating to those who have lost loved ones. This is a delicate issue and one that must be approached as such from ALL sides.

By PPW

September 21, 2009 7:33 AM | Link to this

I think everyone deals with their grief in their own way. If visiting and leaving things at their loved ones’ grave helps in any way, it should be allowed, there’s nothing worse than losing a child to death and having to leave them and go home from the cemetery…..it’s especially difficult when it’s a child. When you are allowed to leave things, it helps you feel like you still have a connection to them. It comforts to bring things. I’m wondering if anyone on the Diboll City Council has lost a child and how they feel about all this. I don’t live in Diboll, but I’m with you Brenda and Tina!

By worthen

September 21, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this

I can truly understand how love ones feel. I lost my only child at the age of 20. Diboll should spend more time chasing the bad guys and keeping the peace rathering than someone that can do no harm to you and is at peace with GOD.

By Curt

September 21, 2009 9:17 AM | Link to this

Though I feel sorry for the bereaved,announcements are posted at city halls for upcoming city commission meetings.The only input people have are during public hearings only of an agenda.That’s why America has given up so much freedom in exchange for new rules , policies and laws because they did not attend the meetings and speak during the public hearing (and/or do not know this fact).The town where I live,I stop by and read what’s on the agenda.Though I should attend all the city commission meetings,Iusually just pick the ones that interest me.

By Minna

September 21, 2009 9:39 AM | Link to this

When you lose a loved one, you are connected to the gravesite and some people adorn the gravesite with things that help them with the grieving process. It makes them feel that their loved ones are safe and secure. Until you have walked in these people’s shoes (the ones that have lost their children, other family members) then you have no right to make them take these items from the graves. Go and make a difference in the community doing something else, like shutting down meth labs or locking up drug users, and leave the poor people alone that have nothing else when they’ve lost their family members. I have 2 sons and I can tell you now, that if I had to be in her shoes, I would be just exactly like Ms. Martinez and I would put things on their graves to help comfort me. Come on people…wake up and stop finding petty things to gripe about. Let these poor people grieve and grieve however they can. It’s all they have. Leave them alone.

By YaYaCrew

September 21, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this

Gravesites are purchased by the families. They should be allowed to put whatever decorations or memorabilia they choose. As long as the items are on the site’s demensions and does not overflow onto other areas, then it should not concern anyone. Apparently Ms. Martinez visits her son’s grave almost daily - I highly doubt if she’s going to let it become “gaudy”.

By bob

September 21, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this

I would have liked for the article to include some response or comments from city officials. There may be something with this issue which is not being told. Those people at City Hall are not mean people, and they answer to the citizenry, so that makes me believe there is an explanation other than the newspaper’s attempt to practice yellow journalism.

By Angry Voter

September 21, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this

For God Sakes leave these greiving families along. Let them deal with there deceased family members the way they need to. It is a crying shame that a City Councel can tell you what you can or what you cannot put on a grave site? I have never heard anything more depressing in my intire life. What is this world coming to. Diboll needs new City Councel leaders. They dont have better to do than pick on griving families than something is wrong with this picture. I dont see where any of these families have commited and crime. And if it a Maintance issue let the family keep that site up. Which I am sure they do already.

By come on people

September 21, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this

The city owns the cemetery. people say they keep up the plots, but they don’t. The city takes care of the up keep. What should take a few hours, takes all day because you have to work around all the stuff. This has always been the way it’s supposed to be.

By Jeanette Thompson

September 21, 2009 11:10 AM | Link to this

WHEN I READ THIS IT BROUGHT BACK THE SAME THING THAT HAPPENED HERE IN MY TOWN OF HIGHLANDS. NO RELATIVES JUST ALOT OF FRIENDS. THIER FAMILY HAD TO TAKE DOWN ALL THERE PICS, TRINKETS AND OTHER THINGS THAT HELPS THE FAMILY DEAL WITH THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE. I HAD PUT A CHIME AT THE GRAVE OF A FIREMAN AND THEY MADE NE TAKE IT DOWN. THEY HAD SOME BEAUTIFUL GRAVES THAT WERE LANDSCAPED AND THINGS THAT BROUGHT OUT THE PERSONALITY OF THAT PERSON. I APPROCHED THE OWNER OF THE CEMETERY AND IT WAS NEW OWNERS AND HE SAID IT HELPED THE MOWERS NOT HAVE TO GO AROUND EVERY THING. WE HAVE OUR ARRANGMENTS OUT THERE AND I TOLD HIM WE WOULD PROBABLY CHANGE CAUSE I WANTED SOMETHING I LOVED ON MY GRAVE . ALOT OF PEOPLE WERE MAD AND UPSET. I HOPE YOU CAN PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING TO YOU. JERRY AND I ARE COMING BACK TO LUFKIN FOR BURIAL HOPFULY IN 50 YEARS AND WE CAN HAVE OUR PEACE FOR OUR CHILDREN TO PUT THINGS ON OUR GRAVE THAT WILL HELP THEM REMEMBR THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD.

By etx44

September 21, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this

If the Diboll City Council thinks it’s job is to bother people then the people can and should vote them out.

By Garcia Family

September 21, 2009 12:42 PM | Link to this

Please Mrs.Martinez post your phone number so we can call you and get our signatures my husband’s brother is buried at Forest Haven and we would be devastated to removed everything he has…

By Curt

September 21, 2009 12:45 PM | Link to this

Once again,if the people want any input on an agenda,they/we have to stop by the city hall and read about the next city commission meeting agenda posted on the designated place where they post them.If it interests you,then attend but you cannot voice your input until a public hearing is brought into procession by the mayor.Voting them in to or out of office isn’t going to do any good.People have to attend and speak their turn into the microphone and it will be recorded and possibly be in the paper so have your facts straight.Emotions arent as important as facts but do count but in this case the policy is already made so the bereaved probably ought to pack the stuff up and make a memorial at their house.It would stay in better condition then also.Then maybe have a little ceremony out at the grave site,maybe a prayer or verse of scripture read maybe once a week would help soothe the soul.That would be a good alternative.

By Brenda Herrada

September 21, 2009 1:05 PM | Link to this

MY HUSBAND MANUEL HERRADA GOES OUT TO MY DAUGHTERS GRAVE AND HAS FILLED IN EVERY HOLE THAT THE RAIN HAS WASHED OUT SINCE WE PUT HER THERE ON MONDAY APRIL 20,2009. AND HE REMOVES ALL THE IDEMS ON THE GRAVE AND WEEDEATS IT OFF AND PUTS THE IDEMS BACK ON THERE FOR OUR GRAND DAUGHTER TO HAVE THAT TO REMEMBER HER MOTHER MEGAN VILLARREAL.DO YOU THINK IT IS GOOD FOR A CHILD OF ANY AGE TO GO VISIT THEIR PARENTS GRAVE AND THERE ARE HOLE S FROM THE RAIN THERE WHERE THATS NOT GETTING TAKE CARE OF .AND MY DAUGHTERS FATHER PHILLIP VILLARREAL HAS EVEN GONE OUT THERE AND MOWED IT AS THE GRASS WAS HIGH. WE ALL WENT OUT THERE AND CLEANED OFF FLOWERS FROM THE FUNERAL AS WELL. I FEEL WE ALL NEED TO COME TOGETHER ON THIS MATTER. I DO UNDERSTAND THAT EVERYONE DONT TAKE CARE OF THEIR FAMILYS GRAVE, SO WHY MAKE THE ONE WHO DO TAKE CARE OF THIER FAMILYS GRAVE SUFFER.

By Melanei

September 21, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this

just leave the families alone i go see my friends Tomas every chance i get, i went just the other day to see him me, Thomas and David, we go see Tomas all the time it is all the families have left of their loved ones why would someone want them to take away the only thing they have left of their child, mother, grandchild etc.. its not right if putting things on their grave site is what makes them feel better than let them be because i can tell you when i go and leave things for Tomas it makes me feel ten times better, i sometimes go and sit out by his grave just like im hanging out with him again would go on his birthday and plan on going on Halloween, its all we have left of him just let the families and friends be and let them express how they feel the way they want to and do things that help them with their lose…

By Monica

September 21, 2009 2:03 PM | Link to this

My Grandpa & nephew are buried at the same grave yard & we been having lots of decorations come up missing. If I knew where I can sign the paper i will so will the rest of my family. We are showing our love ones that we care & miss them so much & that we love them. I dont know why they are taking this from us its not hurting nobody.

By Monica

September 21, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this

My Grandpa & nephew are buried at the same grave yard & we been having lots of decorations come up missing. If I knew where I can sign the paper i will so will the rest of my family. We are showing our love ones that we care & miss them so much & that we love them. I dont know why they are taking this from us its not hurting nobody.

By Monica

September 21, 2009 2:06 PM | Link to this

My Grandpa & nephew are buried at the same grave yard & we been having lots of decorations come up missing. If I knew where I can sign the paper i will so will the rest of my family. We are showing our love ones that we care & miss them so much & that we love them. I dont know why they are taking this from us its not hurting nobody.

By Jan

September 21, 2009 3:33 PM | Link to this

This is rediculous. Is this how tax payers money is being spent … telling people how they can or can not celebrate the life of a loved one? If the workers don’t like their job (“working around all the stuff”) maybe they should look for a job they like better. I’m sure the families would rather not have to put out “all that stuff”. Which reminds me… I gotta put some more “stuff” on my Mamma’s grave. We have a special spot at home for her, but her gravesite is were we find a little serenity and closeness. May God Bless all of you in your solemnity.

By Debbie

September 21, 2009 3:46 PM | Link to this

While I truly sympathize with these families and have been in the same situation as them. I realized that I was creating a shrine to his grave. I decided I would funnel my energies into creating a living memory and celebrate his life. I chose to do little things for his friends, donate books, materials, etc…to his school. This made me feel much better and helped someone else out as well.

By Barbara

September 21, 2009 5:30 PM | Link to this

This is absolutely pathetic. Does the leadership of Diboll have absolutely nothing else to do, but pick on families that are already ravaged by pain. Really, there’s no crime to deal with? No city business to take care of? Who had time to sit around and come up with this idea? Somebody give them something to do, please. And every one deals with grief in their own time, let them have their connection as they heal.

By red

September 21, 2009 5:57 PM | Link to this

I agree with big picture that this IS a delicate issue, and all sides need to be researched WITHOUT feelings being brought into this. I’m wondering if the same citizens who are “outraged” at this “heartless act” would have any problem with the city paying astronomical fees for maintenance of this cemetery for its upkeep. There HAS to be a limit on what can or should be allowed to remain on cemetery property. And while I commend those who DO take it upon themselves to keep their loved ones’ plot looking nice, the rules would have to apply to everyone who has loved ones buried there.

By Curt

September 21, 2009 7:04 PM | Link to this

Read my 3 comments earlier and it will be understood what to do to have your voice heard on issues that matter to you.This issue is already a done deal.You missed the city commission meetings to vocalize your opinions and concerns.It’s over.Now scroll down to my other 2 comments and see if you can understand what to do concerning issues in the future.Here’s a review of those other two comments written earlier today. 1.Stop by city hall. 2.Read upcoming city commission agenda where posted. 3.If something interests you,plan on going. 4.At meeting,when the issue arises,IF,IF there’s a public hearing,you will be able to walk to the front of the room and give your prepared speech.It will be recorded and possibly in next days news,maybe. 5.After the mayor asks if anyone else wants to speak about the issue and when speeches are given,the mayor will say the hearing is closed and the hammer slammed.That’s it.Then the panel will vote or prolong the issue.Your concern may or may not persuade the turnout they give that you want but at least you will have done your part if it’s such a great concern that you want to voice to possibly help the panel,but either way,they vote on the issue with much factual information.

By Angie

September 21, 2009 7:07 PM | Link to this

I have a friend buried out there. Her mother, her family and I decorate the gravesite in her memory quite often.. for Megan, and for daughter.. and for ourselves. It makes us feel better to leave something with her to show her that we haven’t forgotten about her. I have put pictures out there of Megan for her 2 year old daughter to see, to remind her why she’s there at the grave in the first place.. and these are the items that have to be taken off. I am from Diboll and I love this city, but why should a official-made decision (of someone that probably doesn’t have a loved one there) stop these families and friends from grieving in their own way? What does it matter that there are things on the graves? The families are taking care of them, let them continue this. I love decorating Megan’s grave with little things that remind me of her.. and who cares if it’s ‘gaudy’.. the items placed there aren’t put out there for the living to inspect.. it’s for the dead. I don’t care what people seeing it think of the items placed there.. it’s not for them. Mrs. Martinez’s son’s grave is a few feet from Megan’s and it’s nice to see that some families still care about the dead and show that proudly. I have family in Garden of Memories and I wish I could put things at their graves as I have at Megan’s. It’s a shame that we’re not able to ‘decorate’ and remember as we want.

By Angie

September 21, 2009 7:11 PM | Link to this

So the meeting is over, Curt? What’s the verdict? Are the items going to be left alone or is the city going to clean up the graves?

By Rhonda

September 21, 2009 7:47 PM | Link to this

All of these “decorations” are trashy. Flowers are a nice symbol of your visit and others do not have to feel they are at a junkyard.

By Daisy

September 21, 2009 8:30 PM | Link to this

I see the different sides of this issue, but also as well as many others my lil brother is there my grandparents and lots of friends. I think people should be able to put what they would like on a grave within reason. I was at the grave yard this afternoon in fact there are a few graves that need to be better maintaned but for the most part its well taken care of by the family of the ones who have decorated graves. I think the city should spend tax payers dollars by solving crime in our town or maybe even worry more about the back and the side of the cemetary where the hogs have all the grass torn up then bothering people who simply want their loved ones graves to be well decorated.

By Angie

September 21, 2009 8:35 PM | Link to this

Then Rhonda, maybe you shouldn’t walk too close to many graves out there.. because most of them are ‘decorated’. You must not have loved ones out there. Grievers should be able to express their love for the dead as they want.. it’s not something that you should be able to tell them how to honor that person.

By Angie

September 21, 2009 8:39 PM | Link to this

I agree with you, Daisy!

By the way, I am putting balloons and things on Megan Villarreal’s grave at Forest Haven tomorrow for her 21st birthday.. anyone want to tell me that I can’t?

By johnston

September 21, 2009 11:24 PM | Link to this

well it sounds to me like Diboll and there city officials need something to do now days other than sit around thinking this one up, and go ahead hit the families even harder while they are still down and in so much pain ! Do your Jobs and thing of ways to get industries back to our town and clean up the trash and the drug dealers and the ones that shouldn`t be in our country, that we have to take car of this was really a stupid idea Diboll reall get to work on the hard stuff!! Leave those families alone ! whata waist of time and enery i mean come onnnnnnnnnnnnnnn,,,, that is so lame

By Mcj

September 22, 2009 7:50 AM | Link to this

This is quite the arguement, I have mowed cemeteries in the past and it it can be quite time consuming to remove and then replace every little thing. On the other hand, I can see wantinting to put some small token of affection out. If you believe in your bible people then you know your loved one is not there just a shell of what was.

By Wojo

September 22, 2009 8:52 AM | Link to this

Well as usual most of the comments here are from the informed. First and foremost the paper erred saying “New Rules”. That is not true. Next if you attended the meeting last night you would know that the council really could care less about enforcing the rules as they have never enforced them. It is apparent that some body complained about the appearance of the cemetary and they are trying to address the issue. That is the job they were elected to do. I think the meeting went well and the people should be content with the outcome. I think you will see some improvements if all will keep their word and pull together. With that said I would also like to add that everyone’s idea of acceptable and trashy is different. Let common sense guide you in your decisions and remember that your actions affect more than just you.

By cg

September 22, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this

I THINK SOME DO OVER DO IT WITH ALL THE DECORATIONS, THEY SHOULD BE NEAT AND RESPECTFUL. WHAT’S ALL THIS ABOUT RUNNING OVER THEM WITH A LAWN MOWER, THEY ARE 6FT. UNDER IN A CASKET, WELL PROTECTED.

By bob

September 22, 2009 10:16 AM | Link to this

There should be a process where a family can enroll to maintain a certain square footage of the gravesite, such as 6X10 or whatever is appropriate. The city can mow around that specified dimension, and the family cannot put memorabilia outside that dimension. Maybe the family should be required to place a border to clearly mark the family’s responsibility. Those who sign up for this take responsibility for their 6X10 portion. No item should be over 3’ tall, limit number of items, living plants only, and other criteria should be established. All gravesites not signed up for taking responsibility of their 6X10 will not be allowed any memorabilia which interferes with the maintenance.

By Curt

September 22, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this

Yes Angie.The policy was made.Now it’s over.Of course policies can be changed but right now this particular policy stands legal if it really is claimed a policy made by the city commission.Since the verdict of the policy says cleanup,I’m sure the people will have a short period of laxed time to gather their belongings.If not,then the items will be removed and probably taken to the dump.Since it’s a policy,if I had a family member buried at a cemetery with a policy passed like that,I’d hurry on over and gather my items and take them home and make a memorial there and then maybe once a week or so I’d visit the grave site and read a few scriptures and say a prayer for the family member.

By Ceci

September 22, 2009 12:32 PM | Link to this

I think that if we purchased a lot, we should be responsible for maintaining it and placing whatever items we want. Of course, to make it easier for the people mowing the grass we shouldn’t just take care of our lot, but also the surroundings to make it easier for them. I now there may be different sides, but everyone reacts different depending on their feelings. I lost my 15 month old daughter January 10, 2009, I go visit her grave everyday and make sure its clean and items are in place because sometimes the weather misplaces items. She doesn’t have any grass around its just dirt, but I take my time to remove items, rake the leave or trash around and place the items back. I have some flowers, solar lights (she is at the very back of the cemetery, so I figured a little light wouldn’t hurt)ect. and I keep it well maintained. The way I feel about keeping her grave looking nice would be because that is all I can do. I don’t have her anymore to be able to buy her toys new clothes or stuff like that, so to me its a happy and peaceful feeling to be able to atleast clean her grave, change her flowers and get items for her grave that gives me the feeling as if shes still here with us. There are graves that are abandoned and I would say that if you are not going to visit often or maintain the lot, then there is no need to put items on the grave. I understand that maybe overdoing it may not be an exception and if there is something I may need to remove I will, but not have a plain grave to where you can only place a couple of flowers.

By Erica

September 22, 2009 3:02 PM | Link to this

I believe if someone purchases a plot, that plot belongs to them. If they want to put something there in their memory, I think they should be able to. I lost my husband 2 years ago and he is buried at Garden of memories. They have guildelines I have to go buy also, but i understand they want it to look nice. That is the reason i chose that cemetary. People have different beliefs about mowing over a gravesite. I understand that does not mean they are mowing over my husbands body, but only the grass. Many people think differently about things like that. If that cemetary has different rules now, they should be more sensitive about peoples thoughts and feelings.

By Cindy

September 22, 2009 4:05 PM | Link to this

I can relate to these family members pain: my son was buried and within 2 weeks I was ordered to REMOVE items from his grave by letter of the cemetery assn. I posted a reply in the paper of my pain and sorrow expressed to the president of the assn. We removed all the flowers, wooden bench,tokens, wind-chimes, etc. It felt like a kick in the stomach all over again having to desecrating his honor and memory. My mother died the year before, and I had also put flowers at her grave in the same plot. Within DAYS of her funeral, her casket spray was removed and suspected thrown away. I had high hopes of retrieving it for a keepsake, but it did not happen. I can understand overdoing the grave-site after a period of time, but when a family IS GRIEVING immediately in the realm of loss, it should be THEIR own personal private time allowed to do so. Just my opinion. I will see my Mom and Son in Glory.

By Emily

September 22, 2009 5:07 PM | Link to this

* I cant believe that Diboll has really gone this low. I have lived in Diboll my whole life and absolutley love it, but after i read this article I lost all respect towards Diboll & the council that even thought of this idea!! My cousin Arturo DeJesus was also in the car that took Thomas M. life that night. He was like a big brother to me, and nothing will stop me from taking him flowers and anything else. I took him flowers on his 20th b-day, i put a hat saying “Happy New Year” and a banner for July 4th….& Diboll ill be darned if ya’ll try to stop me throughout the year! You better believe that on Halloween, which will be 1 yr since his death, Thanksgiving & Christmas i WILL put decorations on his gravesite!!*

By A Grave Matter

September 22, 2009 6:42 PM | Link to this

Here is solution…vote out the city counsel members that passed this ordinace and replace them with logical responsible people…

By Curt

September 23, 2009 9:06 AM | Link to this

I’m going to keep trying to reason here. “Grave Matter”’ and others with following logic,voting someone in or out doesnt matter.What matters is if those interested in an agenda attends a city commission meeting and records their input into the minutes of a public hearing on that particular agenda.Once the mayor ask’s if anyone else has input and everyone is finished recording their input and the mayor slams the wooden hammer down,,,it is over.The city commission will take all things considered and then vote on it.The outcome of the vote may or may not be as the majority of the people want.Cant always be the will of the majority.That’s where grinning and bearing it comes in handy..According to the writeup,this is already a policy.I wonder how many people attended this meeting from the past,raised their hand ,walked up to the microphone and voiced their opinion during the public hearing on this issue before the vote.Probably none,,,maybe one.

By Sherry

September 26, 2009 8:22 PM | Link to this

This also happened in lufkin. After Mr Gibson gave up control of the cemetery the new owners removed everything without notice! It was devastating. My son’s friends and our family were able to get some form of peace by leaving items for Mark. No one seemed to be able to tell us where the items went….I can only guess. Keep fighting this. Maybe you will have more luck. The people that make these kind of immoral decisions probably have never lost a child or other loved one. You can’t really make some people care. It just isn’t in them.

By jo

October 5, 2009 9:32 PM | Link to this

My heart goes out to those of you that have family and friends in this cemetery.I visit my family a lot at the cemetery and that is where I can get comfort. I decorate for most occasions. If I had family in Diboll I would probably try to have them moved to a better resting place if I could.I will keep each and every one of you in my prayers.

By tammy

October 7, 2009 2:48 PM | Link to this

Way to go Jo. I think you are right. This is very wrong.

By bill

October 7, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this

I agree with jo and Tammy. But maybe the city will see what they are doing to the families of the ones that is burried in this cemetery and change ther minds. Please just keep fighting and maybe all is good.