NEW TITLE- Disrespected Cemeteries: The Instances in Which They Occur and the Truth Behind Them

     In Louisville, Kentucky, it is November 1989 where the focus is one the most historic cemeteries in the state, Eastern Cemetery. According to the New York Times and University of Louisville archaeologist, Philip DiBlasi, the shocking news contains the fact that the Louisville Crematories and Cemetery Inc. allowed the remains of up to 48,000 people who were buried to be in graves that were already occupied in this specific cemetery. In addition, some graves contained the remains of as many as six people, and graves containing the remains of three or four were the most common. This instance is an extreme case showing the abuse of cemeteries. Many archaeologists, including Philip DiBlasi, argue that every day there are cemeteries that are being misused and even forgotten whether it is from modern construction or just not being taken care of in the community. Even more so, cemeteries can become simply abandoned. My point is not that we should watch our cemeteries become destroyed with abuse, but that we should respect the cemeteries and the importance associated with them through being responsible and preserving the traditions. On the other hand, both businessmen and government officials with plans to use the land that have cemeteries will probably suggest otherwise and argue that these forgotten cemeteries are simply that, so there is no need to protect them. However, through academic research, specific instances, and personal observations, I will argue that cemeteries are an important part of our communities and the appropriate action must be taken to take care of them to preserve the traditions they provide.

Works Cited

“Abandonment or Discontinuance of Cemetery.” uslegal.com. US Legal, n.d. Web. 21 July 2011.

Cemeteries, Task Force on the Preservation of Kentucky. Final Report . Louisville, 2001.

Davis, Kristin. "`Now we know why the grass never grew...They Never Stopped Digging.'." Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine 53.5 (1999): 78.Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 21 July 2011.

Fayette Co. Cemeteries. Kentucky Revised Statutes As They Relate To Cemeteries.6 February 2009. 21 July 2011.

Harris, Helen L., and Ruth H. Soucy. "Bridging the Gap: A Perspective From Two Generations." Texas Journal on Civil Liberties & Civil Rights 4.1 (1998): 25.Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 15 July 2011. (Cemeteries)

Perttula, Timothy K., and Bo Nelson. "The Looting of Prehistoric Caddo Indian Cemeteries in Northeast Texas." Texas Journal on Civil Liberties & Civil Rights 4.1 (1998): 77. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 22 July 2011.

Press, Associated. "Thousands Buried in Old Graves, Investigators in Kentucky Report." The New York Times 28 November 1989.