Sad vandalism

To the editor:

My brother has been buried in Memorial Park Cemetery since 1962 and my mother has been there since 1968. Until approximately 1980 there was never a problem with the care and maintenance of their graves. However, since that time, my mother’s headstone has had the ribbon with “Mother” on it stolen twice, my brother’s headstone has been chipped by mowers twice, and the vase on his headstone has been stolen.

I live in Virginia and cannot keep a constant watch over the graves, but like the people in your article I have been very disappointed in the care of this cemetery. When my mother’s ribbon was stolen the last time, I went to the office and spoke personally to the manager there and he did replace the ribbon without cost to me. He did it quickly and called me in Virginia to let me know the ribbon had been replaced.

When this cemetery was cared for by Mr. Garrett it was never a problem. The grounds were immaculate, and never were the headstones damaged. It is a very sad place to visit without the added stress of unkempt grounds, damaged and vandalized headstones.

Vicki Valor,

Woodbridge, Va.