×

Rose Hill care long overdue

I recently made a grueling 14-hour car ride from my home in Atlanta to your beautiful state.

However, I must add that it was for a rather somber occasion. My grandmother passed.

This lovely lady was born and raised in Altoona, had a family, lived life to the fullest. It was at her and my late grandfather’s request that they be buried at Rose Hill Cemetery.

When I came up 10 years ago, it was a beautiful place. They chose it for many reasons, I remember. One specifically was the beauty and location of the mountain. They could view it from their kitchen window. Mind you, it’s been a while since I have visited, but this was the Fourth of July weekend.

Upon entering the cemetery, my face literally fell, my heart sank, and I cried, I screamed and I ranted. I am hurt and appalled at the conditions of this final resting place of our loved ones. Not just mine, but everyone’s.

Our forefathers are there, our heritage, military personnel, brothers, sisters, wives, mothers, fathers, on and on. Is there not anyone who cares enough to keep the upkeep of this place? We are actually paying for these services. Why are they not being provided?

The grounds will astound you if you haven’t been there. Trash littering the drive, piled high at the center of the cemetery. Grass waist high. We could not even have a graveside service because the conditions wouldn’t allow it.

It angers me that your community hasn’t stepped up and taken charge. We attempted to contact them only to continuously get their voicemail.

I also visited the other cemeteries in the area. My father’s parents are buried just down the road. What a difference – manicured lawns, flags on every headstone, not a speck of trash – peaceful, beautiful, serene – a place where, as a family member, you could say “I’m so glad we chose this for them.”

I know Rose Hill can be this way again. I am asking, beseeching for whomever it is that is in charge, senator, congressman, mayor, Rose Hill personnel: Do something about this!

Seriously, do you want to be treated this way? Do you want to have your loved ones here? We, myself included, have families here, members that probably connect in some fashion.

Please help us respect them and honor their memories.

Rebecca Escher

Suwanee, Ga

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today