Sharing a link to this story published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer by Terry Pluto appearing on October 26, 2025. It is an extensive follow-up story to the one which initially appeared the week before on October 19, 2025. These stories also appeared digitally on Cleveland.com.
Terry asked his readers to tell him their reasons for visiting grave sites. Based on his own comments at the beginning of the second column, published on October 26, 2025, Terry received more responses than what he expected. For many of us, an extensive response count would not be unexpected. That is because we also visit grave sites, and cemeteries in general, for various reasons at different times throughout the year. And, when we do visit, our greatest hope is that those grave sites are in good condition - i.e. grass cut around the markers or monuments, no tire marks on flat markers, no over-weed whacking around the markers or monuments. Proper pruning of trees and bushes. Picking up of trash and debris on the grounds.
That is just the landscaping side of this issue.
What about the markers and monuments themselves? Do they need tending to in some way? Do they need cleaning, or perhaps even more work done to make things right for them? Some monuments or markers lean or start to sink. They may need re-leveling.
To keep visitors safe, proper signage needs to be in place so they know what to expect and what is allowed for decorations. Trash receptacles should be at a cemetery and emptied regularly.
For some grave markers and monuments that are older and more fragile, we have to understand that perhaps not much can be done to save them except sadly to replace them. We need to remember to adhere to the "Do No Harm Guidelines" as set forth by the NCPTT of the National Park Service. We remain committed to leave a gravesite better than what we found it.
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Those who are responsible for cemeteries and their care are to be held accountable when one of their cemeteries needs attention. As visitors, we should not be told by the cemetery owners that "it is up to the family" to take care of whatever it is that is wrong. It doesn't always work that way. We have to make them aware of that. If the cemetery is Active and Registered then we can file a formal complaint to the Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission. One day, hopefully, this opportunity will be afforded to ALL cemeteries regardless if they are Active (and Registered) or not. By filing a formal complaint, members of the OCDRC visit the cemetery of concern and contact those responsible about its lack of care to better address the problematic issues affecting it.
Another issue to keep in mind is that all too often problems stem from local apathy resulting in neglect overtaking a cemetery, and thereby problems more easily multiply. Nearby communities should understand that their local cemeteries are part of the fabric of their landscape; and early founding pioneers of the area rest in peace in them.
Thus, awareness and education go hand in hand to best protect a cemetery and preserve its gravesites for our current generation and for those who come after us. You don't have to know someone buried in a cemetery to care about it.
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