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Cemetery bans American flags for Independence Day

Posted at 5:48 PM, Jul 05, 2012
and last updated 2012-07-05 18:01:55-04

MINERAL WELLS, Texas (WTVR) – You’ll see flags in many places this week as we celebrate Independence Day. But there’s one place you won’t find them. At a cemetery in Texas.

Cemetery rules at Woodland Park Cemetery in Mineral Wells prohibits American flags on graves, except for two weeks around Memorial Day and Veterans Day. That means no flags for America’s birthday.

The rule is upsetting some whose loved ones are buried there. But the City Manager says he stands by the decision. Lance Howerton says the rules were put in place after some people complained about too many items being placed on some graves.

The cemetery also prohibits flowers that aren’t in vases.

Cemetery officials says the rules are similar to those in place at Arlington National Cemetery, which only allows flags on Memorial day.