Our Thoughts — Cemetery Vandalism Positives

It is no secret that the American political system has pitted all kinds of people against each other. Repubicans vs. Democrats, Black vs. White, Men vs. Women, Lutherans vs. Catholics, and Muslims vs. Jewish. While we believe that this is a sad state of affairs, sometimes in the worst of events, the best of the human spirit emerges.

As a small town funeral director I’ve been involved in the clean up of mischievous cemetery vandalism more than once. All the death care people in the community get involved to put the cemetery back together. When it is caused by teenagers the damage is not usually extensive — you just need a big truck with a boom to put the stones back into place — mostly labor and elbow grease to get the monuments back in place.

However, when it is the damage being done extensively with monuments broke in half, etc. It gets to be a lot more work and expense. While it was hatred that caused this damage at Jewish Cemeteries recently and that is certainly a black eye for America, we are now seeing the best of America as many citizens – of all races, nationalities, and religions – are volunteering to help put the cemeteries back together.

At the Chesed Shei Emeth Cemetery in University City, Missouri, Vice-President Mike Pence used a bullhorn to thank the large crowd of volunteer helpers, “I must tell you the people in Missouri are inspiring the nation by your love and care for the place, for the Jewish community in Missouri and I want to thank you for that inspiration, for showing the world what America is all about.”

And, it wasn’t only the individuals showing up to help. Rosenbloom Monument Company was also there volunteering to put the toppled monuments back in place.

As funeral directors we have taken a creed to help those grieving regardless of race, creed, color, or religion. In this day and age, we need to continue to be those leaders for our community to allow America to continue to be a beacon of hope for the world.

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