05/25/2025
It has been brought to my attention that there may be some local citizens with concerns about when, where, how, and who places grave markers on the graves of veterans in Allen Township. I would like to clear this up. First, I would like to let everyone know that the Allen Township Trustee’s Office places flags on the graves of veterans at the six cemeteries located in Allen Township, despite the fact that we only provide care and maintenance for three; as the other three are cared for by local churches to whom they belong. Each year, flags are placed just before Memorial Day, and then removed after Labor Day. We place more than 500 flags throughout the township every year. With this number of flags being placed, it is possible that a few get missed. We always have extra flags available in our office to account for any that might have been missed. If you have a family member or friend with a grave marker, who does not have a flag between Memorial Day and Labor Day, feel free to stop into the office during office hours, which are Thursday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm to pick one up. You can also reach out to us and let us know the name and location of the grave that is missing a flag and we will ensure on is placed. As far as grave markers for veterans, which are the metal stakes that hold the flags, we have plenty of those in our office as well. We do not typically know when a veteran is buried in the township unless someone informs us of such. In the past, we have partnered with the American Legion on getting markers placed. I would like to make it know that, according to Indiana Code 23-14-69-3, Township Trustees are only responsible for the care and maintenance of cemeteries owned by the township, not the placement of markers or flags on veteran’s graves. Our office does this as a courtesy, with honor and respect for our veterans. This tradition began in Allen Township long before I became the Township Trustee in 2015, however, it is not one that MUST continue. If anyone or any organization would like to take on the responsibility, we are happy to work with them to transition this duty. Each year our office, which is a part-time office, does our best to place flags on each and every veteran’s grave. Yet, each year, multiple complaints are made, most of which are not to our office, but rather to the town or other citizens about how and when we miss a flag or a marker is missing. We would greatly appreciate it if all complaints were directed to the Allen Township Trustee’s Office at 260-897-2472. In the 10 years since I took office, we have only received a handful of complaints directly to our office and not a single “Thank You,” or compliment for the courtesy we have provided (not that we do it for thanks or appreciation). We also have never received an inquiry from ANYONE about how they could help with this task. I am amazed at how many people take things such as this for granted when they get done, but are so quick to notice when they do not. Should you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to contact our office at 260-897-2472.
Thaddeus Bay, Allen Township Trustee
