Removal of US flags from La Verne Cemetery sparks outrage

LA VERNE, Calif. (KABC) -- The removal of American flags and patriotic mementos from dozens of grave sites at a cemetery in La Verne has sparked outrage from several people with loved ones buried there.

"I have a lot of friends, families that are buried here, I grew up in this town, and it's just utterly disrespectful," Ty Helman said.

Kacy Thompson's brother is buried at the La Verne Cemetery. He says he couldn't believe the flags and decorations his mother placed on his grave site were removed.

"It's irritating because she showed me the pictures of all the flags in the trash can and on the floor being disrespected, come to find out there's nothing on the grave sites at all," Thompson said.

Ted Dirkam, a spokesperson for StoneMor Partners, which owns the cemetery, tells Eyewitness News flowers and displays are removed every Wednesday so the lawn can be mowed. He says they're looking into why the flags were removed.

The story was shared with us through the #ABC7Eyewitness.

Watch Sid Garcia's report in the video above.