Showing Respect

To the Editor:

Last week, my brother, a resident of Newtown, passed away suddenly. I was surprised while we were in the funeral procession to see that there were no policemen stopping the everyday traffic so that we could all stay together. Most people are respectful of things like this and did stop. However, there were one or two who cut our family members off only to have to stop at a red light. Is it wrong to ask the police department members to lead the procession? To show their respect for the residents who have passed away? Is it not the taxpayers of the town who help to pay their salaries?

I would also like to address the funeral director. It is hard enough for even the young people to stand on their own two feet without assistance when they’ve lost someone close to them, let alone the elderly. Perhaps you could consider putting some folding chairs at the gravesite for them to sit in. Especially the immediate family.

I live in a different town in Connecticut. But, I have been in a few processions in different towns and they have all had police escorts And there have been chairs at the gravesites. Just my thoughts that I hope someone will take into consideration for the next family.

Thank you,

Marie Saviano Richards

91 Pease Avenue, Southport                                           April 23, 2008