In the last two weeks, by phone, email, at events, and of course, this is Stockbridge! at the post office, folks have brought up this issue of a permanent flag in the cemetery. SU takes no position on the issue. However, we do strongly support open discussion — every person stating his or her preference in an open meeting. The meeting is October 22, 2024, in the Town Offices and via Zoom; it is generally a morning meeting; the exact time will be listed under Cemetery Commission on the Stockbridge web site. To aid the discussion, here is a summary of the ideas and opinions we heard.
Background
Some folks like to base their decisions on history and tradition. So here is some background. In Europe, the French do tend to fly permanent flags in their cemeteries, but it is rarely done in England. Originally, ours was a British cemetery and Stockbridge was a British colony. There was no permanent flag in our cemetery.
After the Revolutionary War, when patriotism to the new country presumably ran high, our cemetery was 50 years old. It held graves of men who fought and died in the Revolutionary war. Presumably that would be the moment to raise the new flag, but still no permanent flag was placed.
Here and Now
Others feel that regardless of what was done before, the question has been raised here and now. They ask, “do we want a permanent flag in our cemetery today?”
So, if we look around the country, what is happening now with respect to permanent flags? How many cemeteries have permanent American flags in them — very few. Predominantly, permanent flags are in national cemeteries. There are 155 national cemeteries in the USA. All routinely display miniature American flags on special days such as Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day, but few of the 155 have a permanently installed flag. Why is that?
Summary of Different Points of View
For some there is only one right decision, and it is obvious. For others, it is more complex. There are variables ripe for discussion.
Those who support the installation of a permanent flag in Stockbridge cemetery feel it is respectful to our veterans. Supporters want to honor the veterans and those who gave their lives for this country. They tell us there are hundreds of veterans’ graves in Stockbridge cemetery. They want to make the respect they feel for those men and women manifest.
Most cemeteries place miniature flags at grave sites on special days such as Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day. There are those who prefer that. They feel it is a more festive display made more important by being restricted to special days. The act of placing all those flags becomes a community event that binds the living and greatly honors the dead.
Folks who support the permanent flag believe it signals our village’s allegiance to the flag and all it represents.
Those who oppose it fear a permanent flag could be “place and forget.” Moreover, they are very concerned about the condition of a permanent flag over time. Everyone wants our flag to fly proudly and appear to be an object of respect and that means always to be in good condition. A flag flying outdoors all the time requires constant replacement.
Those who support the placement of the permanent flag say it is an act of patriotism.
The largest number of miniature flags placed in a single cemetery is 250,000 – placed at Riverside National Cemetery in California. It was heralded as a great community event. Similar events occurred across the country creating a chain of solemn events that were moving and patriotic.
Those who support the permanent flag believe their arguments are strong. For them, it is the “obvious choice” and represents the “right thing to do.”
Others remember when the flag of the Mohican nation was installed at the Mission House, many thought both the Mohican and the American flags should fly there. Similarly, there are those who feel if the American flag is installed at the cemetery, there are other flags that should fly alongside. They suggest the MIA flag, Gay Pride, and the Mohican nation. They do not see a simple question but one that will open the door to ongoing conflict.
These are all good guys with good arguments. The important thing is that we openly and respectfully discuss it. That we give all points of view the mike. In that way we work toward the best decision.
