Save the Cemetery RALLY!!!

Middletonians, how would any of you feel about staging a short “Save the Cemetery” rally outside the entrance to Middletown’s Pioneer Cemetery one afternoon this week???

I propose nothing rowdy or disrespectful, simply a short gathering to show our City officials that we believe that the City owes a debt to our FOUNDERS, our VETERANS, our LOVED ONES, and all of the other departed currently resting in this MUNICIPAL cemetery.

This cemetery is in the FIRST WARD, but since the sitting first ward council person (who has had every opportunity to address these matters, has been conspicuously silent on the recent atrocities, I thought that I might ask candidate for First Ward City Council candidate, Mr. GARY BARGE, to say a few words. If no one else will speak, I will say a few words.

If anyone knows anyone who could perhaps play “Taps” on a bugle or trumpet, that might be a nice touch.

How about it??? I’ll check the weather and see if there is a nice afternoon towards the end of the week.

Is anyone else interested???

Mr. Rapp,

Thank you for the “heads up”! I certainly do NOT want to break any laws. However, I just spent several hours searching the codified city ordinances trying to find a call for a “permit” or any other requirements for such a gathering (or for any other type of peaceful gathering that does not obstruct any private or public business or activity). We do NOT intend to have a parade, or any sort of entertainment. Any “speaking”, other than perhaps a short, non-denominational prayer for the dear departed or perhaps a call for a “moment of silence”, would be by a “public servant” only, to the best of my knowledge. Then again, I cannot imagine there being any restrictions on the spontaneous free speech or conversation of any person or persons during a small peaceful gathering in a park-like setting such as the open, public area outside the entrance to Pioneer Cemetery.

However, all of that having been said, let me put it this way:

I think that I, myself, will go to Middletown Pioneer Cemetery this Thursday afternoon, October 29, 2009, about 2:30 pm, to visit the remains and spirits of our city’s founders and those who may have bled to establish or defend this great, free nation. I may even look at the HISTORIC vault and the area immediately surrounding it. In ANY event, I SHALL be back OUTSIDE the Main gate near the flagpole by 2:55 pm to be sure that I do not get LOCKED IN. I may even pledge allegiance to my country and our flag at that point.

I’m a nice guy, this cemetery is the MOST HISTORIC venue in Middletown, and this is a FREE COUNTRY (at least for the time being). It would not be ANYONE’s fault if I was NOT the only one at this popular, public area at that time. In fact, as long as they are peaceful, I could not stop them even if I wanted to do so. It would be illegal to even TRY to stop them, and a violation of their civil rights, and I have no interest in breaking the law.