Cemetery Etiquette

Inglewood Park Cemetery is a special place. While it is part of the everyday scene, it is not part of everyday life. That is to say, it is a place where tranquility and quiet are the desired norm, and activities of everyday life should be suspended.
When visiting a cemetery, there are a number of basic rules you should keep in mind in order to show respect to both the living and the dead. These tips will help to keep you out of trouble and make sure you and your fellow visitors enjoy a courteous, peaceful experience.

Follow the Rules
Most cemeteries have a sign posted near the entrance listing rules specific to the property. Obey the rules and observe any floral regulations they might have set.  Rules about decorations serve to make sure the cemetery doesn’t collect too much debris that the caretakers need to clean up. Alcohol, firearms, or entertainment items are not allowed within the cemetery.

Obey the Hours
Most cemeteries are open from dawn until dusk. Try not to remain in the cemetery after dark to avoid being charged with trespassing.

Drive with Care
Follow the roadways and don’t drive on the grass. Drive slowly and obey any traffic signs posted in the cemetery. Be careful to avoid any people since they might be upset and not paying complete attention to where they are going. If the lane is narrow and another car approaches, offer to move your car until the other driver can get through

Parking
Keep your vehicle on designated roadways or in parking areas. Please do not block cemetery roadways, allow room for another vehicle to pass by. Take your keys and lock your vehicle when visiting a loved one’s grave.

Respect the Graves
Don’t touch any monuments or headstones; this is not only disrespectful, but may cause damage to the memorials, especially older ones. Never remove anything from a gravestone, such as flowers, coins, or tributes that have been left by family as they are very meaningful to the families who placed them there. Appreciate the memorials as they are.
Do their best to not walk over the graves.  Common sense leads you to know the basic shape of a grave; walk in between the headstones, and don’t stand on top of a burial place.

Look After Your Children
If you bring children, make sure to keep a close eye on them and keep them from running, yelling, and playing or climbing on graves and monuments. This is not a place for childhood games Teach them to act in a respectful and considerate manner as they often don’t fully understand the meaning of everything in the cemetery.

Speak Softly & Politely
Be respectful to other mourners: remember to keep your voice down when having conversations and avoid using offensive language. Be respectful by keeping quiet around visitors who wish to reflect.

Lower the Volume
If you choose to bring it with you, take a moment to ensure that your cellphone is turned off. Avoid having phone conversations, as voices tend to carry in open spaces. Make sure to turn off your car stereo while driving or parking in the cemetery.

Be Respectful of Services and Other Mourners
If a funeral is occurring, take care not to get in the way of processions. Also, since this is a very private time for people, please don’t take photos of other people at a funerals that may be occurring or visiting a grave.  Respect their privacy and give them their space.

Don’t Leave Trash Behind
Litter creates extra work for the caretakers and shows disrespect to the other families who come to mourn their loved ones. “Pack your trash” is a good rule of thumb: take your refuse with you when you go or put it in trash receptacles.

Leash Your Pets
Some cemeteries allow pets on their grounds. Before you bring your pet along, check to make sure it’s not against the rules, and keep them on a leash at all times.  The human is responsible for picking up waste and disposing of it appropriately. Please be respectful and walk along the roads and not in the sections.

Nature and Wildlife
We take great pride in our cemetery and share these revered grounds with a variety of wildlife.

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