From Revolutionary War veterans to modern-day heroes, Reading’s four cemeteries are adorned with flags, flowers, and new historical markers, offering a powerful tribute to those who served and a meaningful place to reflect
Reading, MA — Each year, Reading’s four cemeteries are decorated for Memorial Day to give us a jaw-dropping reminder of those who served this country to protect our freedoms. Volunteers place a marker on each veteran’s grave, and then the town’s young people place the flags and flowers. There are almost 2500 veterans’ graves in Reading. It takes a large team to complete this in the days leading up to Memorial Day. And this year, the weather certainly didn’t cooperate. The Veterans Memorial Trust Fund pays for the flowers, which are solely funded by donations. Please consider supporting this by sending your donations c/o William Valliere, Veterans Service Agent at Town Hall.
This year, for the first time, you will see three different markers in the oldest section of Laurel Hill. But to understand why, we need a short history lesson. Every person who served on or after April 19, 1775, the official beginning of the American Revolution, is a United States Veteran. There are 33 men who served in the Revolution and are buried in the oldest sections of Laurel Hill (on either side of the main entrance). Last year, in honor of the upcoming Celebration of the 250th anniversary of that fight for freedom, new markers were placed on those 33 graves. The Preservation Trust funded the markers, part of Reading’s Celebration Trust established in 1994, with profits from the Town’s 350th Celebration. And each of these has a “Betsy Ross” flag.
There are also 10 men who served before April 19. They fought in the various wars commonly called the Colonial Wars, including King Philip’s War and the French and Indian War. They are not veterans of the United States, because we were not a country yet. But they served and fought to protect the land granted to them by the King. They lived here, raised their families, formed communities, and were willing to sacrifice. Those 10 men will receive a new marker to honor them this year. These makers are in the shape of a star and were funded by the Reading Antiquarian Society, owners of Parker Tavern. Each marker will have a “King’s Colors” flag resembling the present-day British flag. Five of those men went on to serve in the American Revolution so that they will have two markers and two flags.
Each of Reading’s cemeteries is unique. Laurel Hill’s first burial was in 1737. Before that, many burials would have been in Wakefield (the original Reading). The main entrance is across from Town Hall on Lowell Street, next to the Old South Church. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and has rolling hills that can give you a workout as you walk. It also offers a variety of monuments from obelisks to a very large “marble” and includes all of the Civil War veterans buried in Reading.
Forest Glen Cemetery was established in 1924 and is located at the corner of Pearl Street and Forest Glen Road. Near the center is Veterans’ Hill – it will take your breath away.
Charles Lawn Cemetery was established in 1982 and is located on Charles Street about halfway between Main and Haverhill Streets. It offers a different feeling, as all grave markers are flat markers. There is an impressive circle of flags for the different services in the center.
Wood End Cemetery is the Town’s newest, established in 1997, and is located on Franklin Street between Pearl and Haverhill Streets. As this cemetery is newer, it contains some very unique monuments.
The markers, flags, and flowers will be at all four cemeteries for the next two weeks. Maybe it’s time for a stroll or drive-through at least one – why not all four? Our hard-working cemetery workers pride themselves on the maintenance they perform out of respect for those buried there. Take the opportunity to do the same. But please respect and honor the grounds. Don’t park on the grass, and please keep your pets at home.
