In this poignant month of remembrance, how disrespectful of Mrs H Mortemore to refer to crosses on our loved ones graves as unsightly, (‘Place looks an absolute mess’, Your Views, November 6).

Many of the deceased, for whom the crosses mark their final resting place, served in the Second World War to win the freedom we enjoy today. We are essentially a Christian country and as such hold the cross as our symbol. Rooted in faith, hope and love, it represents strength, courage and peace, qualities much needed by the bereaved, no matter their religious beliefs or otherwise.

It also signifies compassion, forgiveness, caring and understanding — all essential attributes in our diverse, multi-cultural society today. In a perfect world, there would be room enough for everyone to be buried where they like. However, the sad fact is that cemeteries across London have reached capacity and cannot provide new burial plots because, quite simply, they are full. This was the case for the vast amount of Harrow residents, who had no choice but to bury their dead in Carpenders Park Cemetery, being the only one accepting ‘new applicants’.

There are other complex issues involved relating to the cemetery rules mentioned, which we are seeking to resolve amicably, with the assistance of Harrow Borough Council.

We all agree that a cemetery should be a peaceful and lovely place for relatives to visit their loved ones, which is why 2,558 “individuals” (as Mrs Mortemore describes them), campaigned to stop their graves being desecrated by Brent Borough Council, in the universal belief that the dead should be allowed to rest in peace and in accordance with their religion. Another 1,500 “individuals” have since added their signatures to the petition supporting our campaign.

That’s more than 4000 people who share this value — not merely “individuals” but a diverse community with a common link.

We do not live in a dictatorship, thanks to the brave efforts of our previous generations, recently recognised by Harrow Council’s investment of £80,000 to quite rightly restore 11 memorials and war graves in the borough in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday.

Further, the millions of visitors to the poppies at the Tower of London, demonstrate the strength of feeling held by people queuing with dignified respect, to pay their silent tribute to the war dead. With this in mind, to describe crosses on graves as “unsightly” is what saddens me.

For our tomorrow, they gave their today. We will remember them.

Susan Johnston

Lead petitioner and campaign co-organiser