Jun. 19, 2018
Bills advanced Tuesday by House committee
HARRISBURG – The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee today unanimously advanced a package of legislation, authored by Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver/Washington), which would ensure proper upkeep of the graves of Pennsylvania veterans.
“Our U.S. military personnel deserve the utmost respect, and that reverence should follow them to the grave,” Christiana said. “These men and women are willing to sacrifice their lives for us, so the least we can do for them and for their families is ensure the proper maintenance of their final resting places.”
Under current law, counties are required to place a marker and a U.S. flag on the graves of all honorably discharged veterans. These U.S. flags are to remain up from Memorial Day through the Fourth of July.
Christiana’s bills (
House Bills 1470-
1473) would enhance current law to ensure cemeteries remove torn and weathered flags after the Fourth of July annually, and allow a veteran’s family member to keep them if they choose.
“I have heard from families who have, unfortunately, witnessed a total disregard for their loved ones’ grave site,” Christiana said. “I hope by adding some clarity to current law, we can make sure they never again feel dismissed and disrespected.”
Christiana noted that the bills would also allow for greater communication between cemeteries, local veterans organizations and county commissioners, who are currently required to provide the flags.
House Bills 1470-1473 now move the full House for consideration.
Representative Jim Christiana
15th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abbey Haslam
717.260.6222
ahaslam@pahousegop.com
RepChristiana.com /
Facebook.com/RepJimChristiana