Wreaths, flowers, and sentimental items at gravesites in Fort Dodge city cemeteries and not in permanent vases must be removed today as the annual Memorial Day clean up begins.

The city-owned cemeteries are Oakland, North Lawn and Fort Dodge Memorial Park.

Flowers and decorations not in permanent vases will be removed by city staff and discarded this week. This includes decorations such as ornaments, toys, signs, garden flags and holders, wind spinners, and non-permanent vases or statues, all of which must be removed today.

Residents wanting to keep items placed at gravesites are encouraged to pick them up immediately. Saddles on top of monuments as well as floral arrangements in permanent vases are able to remain. Veterans medallions with the U.S. flag on them will also not be removed.

“We have this rule for the safety and overall look of the cemetery,” said Andrea Richardson, cemetery supervisor for the City of Fort Dodge. “If all of the decorations were left in place, grass would grow up around them and cause it to take extra time to weed eat around, to remove and replace each and every decoration, and it would create an unattractive look.”

The twice-a-year clean up of city cemeteries has been in place for many years and is in place for the safety of those mowing the cemetery as well as to keep the grounds looking well kept.

“The removal of Memorial Day decorations was adopted from both previous owners of Memorial Park and North Lawn which were in place for years,” said Richardson. “Since taking over North Lawn in May 2024, we did adopt their spring and fall clean offs to completely remove all decorations, including those in permanent vases and saddles sitting on top of upright monuments. This creates a fresh look twice a year.”

According to Richardson, prior to these regulations, worn and faded flowers would remain at gravesites for months, if not years, due to lack of visiting.

“It’s more of a dishonor or disrespectful to leave weathered and worn flowers at one’s resting place than to remove them and have it better maintained,” added Richardson.

Memorial Day clean up efforts begin today. Fall clean-off week for cemeteries in Fort Dodge will begin Oct. 1.