The No Grave Unadorned project for Memorial Day 2012 in Carbon and Emery counties is moving along well. The flower count is jumping by leaps and bounds daily and starting this Saturday the many volunteers will begin putting the flowers on graves in preparation for Memorial Day. But the project still needs more “Flowerteers.” We not only need more people to make flowers but people to put flowers on graves across the two county area.
The idea of the project is to be sure that no grave in either county goes undecorated for Memorial Day. Last year volunteers made enough flowers and donated enough time to place a flower on every grave that was not decorated in both counties. In the end over 40,000 flowers were made. Then volunteers spent the week before the Memorial Day weekend putting flowers on graves to complete the project.
While the flowers made by volunteers are made of plastic, wood, glue and paperclips, many of the smaller graveyards around Carbon County that do not have regular care still have some of the flowers that were placed last year. Considering the wind and the heavy winter in some places, it is amazing they are still there and are in one piece. It is a testament to the volunteerism of the community and their dedication.
This year the goal is to make another 40,000 flowers by the time all is said and done.
This project is also unique in the United States. It began with an idea here and while others have contacted us about the idea for their communities, as far as we know none have done anything similar.
The project also needs financial support. While each of the flowers does not cost much, added up the material list comes to quite a bill, so cash donations are requested from those who can contribute.
Many of the volunteers who make the flowers have said the project is one of the most fun things they have ever participated in. Placing them on graves is not only satisfying but interesting too. Last year many of the volunteers commented on how much they learned about our communities and how important the people who came before us in this place were to our daily lives here and now.
It is a formidable project, but many hands make the load much lighter.
Please volunteer or contribute by contacting Malyn Brady or Jenni Fasselin at 435 637-0732.
No Grave Unadorned project needs volunteers to place flowers
"Paige Scovill sits with some flowers that have been made this year by volunteers for the No Grave Unadorned project. People of all ages participate in making the flowers and placing them on graves the week before Memorial Day."