Dear Editor:
I have read with great sadness, letters to the editor, about people stealing things from gravesites around the LaGrange area. It has grieved me to think that someone would just go into a cemetery and take urns, vases, and other items with no regard for the family or friends left behind.
Regardless of the cemetery or grave site, it is a place of rest for the deceased, and should be left alone as family members intend for it to be. People go there to reflect and remember their loved ones. When something is found to be missing it is very unsettling and hurtful.
Our family has also experienced this violation at our beloved Sgt. Corey E. Spates’ gravesite. A solar cross, placed there by a dear family friend, was the first thing we found to be missing. The next thing was a Georgia Bulldog wind chime. It has truly saddened and hurt us to find these things gone, especially the cross.
Regardless of the cause of death or circumstances, all gravesites need to be left as family members want them to be. Please, I beg of you, leave the gravesites alone. Please allow family members the right to go there and find things just as they left them. That is not too much to ask and we would love to see items returned to any site where items were taken.
Sandra Sledge Simpson
“Nana” to Sgt. Corey Spates
Please people realize these are our loved ones who have committed no harm nor victimized you, allow them to rest in peace and their families to grieve in peace. I pray none of you ever have to experience the loss of a child or grandchild who is supposed to outlive you.