I am a resident of Fitzgerald, GA or have family that have or did reside in Fitzgerald, GA, and I have several family members buried in our local cemetery. Recently, the city has removed and completely discarded all items on their graves without any prior notification. They have even decided to add additional fees for benches that have been at these graves for years. The city claims we do not own rights to the plots where our loved ones rest. This is not just an act of disrespect but grave robbery/desecration.

This issue is personal to me but it affects all families who have entrusted their loved ones' final resting places to this cemetery's care. It's a violation of our rights as plot owners or family members - rights that should be held by us according to common law practices across the United States.

Our right to grieve how we see fit, including practicing religious beliefs at these sites, is being infringed upon by these actions. Furthermore, it's an act of desecration with no remorse shown towards families who put their faith into the hands of those managing this sacred ground when they decided to lay their loved ones there.

The city should be responsible for everything they've taken from our loved ones' final resting place - it's a disgraceful act that shows complete disregard for the sanctity of life and death.

We call upon local authorities in Fitzgerald, GA to respect grave site rights as per common law practices across America; stop removing items from graves without notification; cease adding unjustified fees; and reimburse affected families for stolen items from their loved ones' gravesites.

Please sign this petition if you believe in respecting the dignity of departed souls and protecting grieving families' rights against such heartless acts.