Governor Rell Signs Bill Removing Restrictions

on Decorating Veterans’ Graves with U.S. Flags

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today visited a state veterans’ cemetery to highlight the signing of legislation that removes restrictions on the decorating of veterans’ graves with U.S. flags between Memorial Day weekend and the Fourth of July.

            “On this Memorial Day weekend, we recall the men and women who have served our nation in uniform, especially those who – in President Lincoln’s immortal words – have given America their ‘last full measure of devotion,’” Governor Rell said. “Just yesterday we added the names of two men from Connecticut who died in Iraq to the Wall of Honor at the Capitol. This is our way of honoring these courageous individuals and – to again borrow from President Lincoln – ‘it is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.’

            “It is also fitting and proper to honor our veterans in their final resting places,” the Governor said. “This bill ensures that we can do this.”

            The legislation removes any restrictions on the placement of U.S. flags on the graves of veterans between the Saturday before Memorial Day and the Monday after the Fourth of July.

            “I have often said that we can never truly repay the debt we owe to the men and women who have served our nation in uniform,” Governor Rell said. “But the enormity of that debt does not relieve us of the obligation to make payments on it. I consider this important legislation one more payment on that debt – one more way for a grateful state and a grateful nation to say, ‘Thank you. We honor and remember you – now and always.’ That is the true message of Memorial Day.”