Roses To Decorate Graves At Sparta Veterans Cemetery

SPARTA, NJ — Volunteers from the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice will honor the final resting places of deceased veterans in the Northern New Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Saturday between 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., by leaving a rose at each of the veterans’ graves.

Those who would like to help with the effort on Saturday, may call 973-383-0115, ext. 145. For complete information about Saturday's event, visit the Hospice website.

The rose placement is in advance of the Memorial Day ceremony at the cemetery planned for Monday at 11 a.m.

The cemetery is located at 75 North Church Rd.

In keeping with the Memorial Day, originally called “Decoration Day” after the Civil War when cemeteries were decorated to memorialize members of the military who had passed away, volunteers will visit each of the veterans’ and their spouses graves if they are buried there too, reading a special statement as they place the flower on every one.

Lisa’s Stone Brook Florist in Branchville is donating the roses on Saturday.

According to a statement from Jacqui Gieske, a spokesperson for the hospice, there are 337 graves they will visit at the veterans’ cemetery.

“We are hoping to bring back the original meaning of Memorial Day,” Gieske said.

“Our veterans’ families have made tremendous sacrifices and we want to be sure to honor their service too,” she added. “We are happy to start a new tradition in 2021 to honor our veterans.”

“It is such an honor to be a part of this Memorial Day tribute,” florist Lisa O’Hara also said. “The sacrifices of these heroes will never be forgotten.”

The Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is considered a "We Honor Veterans” partner - the only one in New Jersey with Level 5 designation - with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. As part of this, there is a focus on caring for combat veterans, including those who served in Vietnam.

The hospice will also host a Facebook Livestream on Friday at 11 a.m. “15 Things Veterans Want You To Know.” Click here to view.

Questions or comments about this story? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.