No vinegar for cleanup

The Freeport American Legion Post has undertaken the task of cleaning the veterans’ cemetery stones in Freeport. It has come to my attention that individuals were concerned because they saw a vinegar jug in the picture published as part of a Sept. 23 article written by Larry Grard, titled “For veterans’ graves, dirty job, long overdue.” They are correct. It was a vinegar jug – about six years ago. Since then I’ve used it to transport water to the flowers on my father’s grave. I can assure readers that the only solutions we use are approved by and used by the Maine Old Cemetery Association. We always have a member on site who has attended the workshop given by the Maine Old Cemetery Association. No household chemicals are allowed on site. The water in that jug is used to rinse hands and tools off after we clean the stone.

I am glad that your readers know that vinegar and all other household products can damage cemetery stones and should never be used to clean a stone. I look forward to them joining us in the spring when we continue our efforts.

Joyce Clarkson-Veilleux

Commander, American Legion

Post 83 Freeport