Some question condition of Czech National Cemetery

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — At the entrance of the Czech National Cemetery, freshly cut grass and flower beds welcome visitors as they enter the burial site that symbolizes the city’s Czech heritage.

But farther inside, patches of grass and weeds cover tombstones, making them unnoticeable at first, a visit by The Gazette found. Headstones are tilted forward and others are sinking. Cracked benches line the pathway.

Kathy O’Neil, who has family members buried in the cemetery, said it looked as if some lots have been untouched in months.

“It’s just devastating,” O’Neil said. “It’s so heartbreaking to see our loved ones are buried here and the military and you know, paying respects to everyone (at a place) that it’s left in disrepair.“

Cedar Rapids has a strong Czech presence, and the Czech Cemetery, at 2200 C St. SW, is one a few places that celebrate its heritage, alongside the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and the Czech Village.

Families who buy cemetery plots are responsible for their upkeep, including to headstones that were damaged in the 2020 derecho.

“While the cemetery is doing some of the caretaker things by having mowing done and everything, it’s up to the lot orders to maintaining their lots in good and neat conditions,” said cemetery board president Jeanne Vogt.

According to the bylaws of the Czech National Cemetery, plot owners are responsible for:

__ Maintaining lots in good and neat condition

__ Planting and maintaining flowers

__ Remove decorations when public issue is noticed

__ Watering, weeding of flower beds and leaf removal

Although the cemetery does not offer floral services, Vogt said it receives deliveries from floral companies that people have ordered from and will take the...