Fort Myers reverses cemetery policy, allows flags at veterans’ graves for Memorial Day

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

The City of Fort Myers has reversed its policy, allowing flags to be placed next to graves at the City of Fort Myers Cemetery on Michigan Avenue this Memorial Day after hearing public requests.

Shelley Bell of Cape Coral expressed her support for the decision, saying, "They served our country, they died for us. We are free with their help."

Bell added, "We respect our veterans, so I think they should be honored."

The change follows a Facebook post that revealed flags had been prohibited at gravesites for years. Gulf Coast News learned that the cemetery’s cleanup efforts have prohibited decorations and limited each gravesite to one floral arrangement for years. The city said the policy was intended to ensure consistency and fairness for all requests and initiatives for gravesites while also aiding debris management during storms.

Ross Barnett, a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, shared his perspective on the importance of honoring veterans.

"We honor their memory and their service on Memorial Day by putting a flag on their gravesite," Barnett said.

Barnett, who works to honor all veterans by placing flags at their gravesites, said, "We feel that it is an important endeavor that they be honored for their service."

The city has now approved the placement of flags next to gravesites to recognize fallen soldiers and indicated that cemetery rules and regulations may be updated in the future.

"This being our 250th anniversary of the United States. We feel it is particularly important to honor the fallen," Barnett said.

American flags will be visible at veteran gravesites in the Fort Myers Cemetery this Memorial Day, honoring those who served and sacrificed.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.