What's New?

Added to the database, at long last, is the Masonic Cemetery in Central City. Also new in November is a description page on Ralston Cemetery. The cemetery has a new caretaker, and a new website, to boot.

Featured Article

Christmas in the Cemetery

The holiday season is a time for being with family. This need to be with those we love doesn't end when people have died. During the holiday season, families take the time to visit the cemetery, often decorating trees, or laying fresh flowers or holiday treasures. Many cemeteries I've visited throughout the holiday season have some sort of Christmas cheer decorating the graves of loved ones.

In part, this tradition seems to be related to the fact that cemetery lawns aren't mowed during the winter, meaning that decorations can stay longer. Perhaps, too, it's that cemeteries seem even more peaceful in winters, under a beautiful blanket of snow.

In 1992, a tradition of decorating graves at Arlington National Cemetery with Christmas wreaths, when Worcester Wreath Company donated 5,000 wreaths to honor the fallen soldiers. Volunteers distribute the donated wreaths in the section chosen by the Arilington Cemetery management annually. In 2006, under the guidance of Morrill Worcester, the owner of the original wreath company, a national program to bring wreaths to national and state cemeteries across the country. The program, called Wreaths Across America, is gearing up for the annual event, which this year will take place on Decemeber 12, 2009. If you would like to help, there are several cemeteries in Colorado participating. Contact the location leaders, listed below. These leaders can give you specifics about meeting times and the plan of events.

Fort Logan National Cemetery
Location Leader: Capt. Karren H. Clonts
Telephone: 303-646-6414
E-mail: kclonts@juno.com

Ft Lyon National Cemetery, Las Animas
Location Leader: Major Stephen Heffler
Telephone: 719-251-3703
E-mail: Doldtiger@aol.com

Veterans Memorial Cemetery of W. Colorado, Grand Junction
Location Leader: Arthur D. Edwards
Telephone: 970-250-1174
E-mail: harleyroadk@yahoo.com

Air Force Academy Cemetery, Colorado Springs
Location Leader: MSgt Ernest Medina
Telephone: 719-465-7885
E-mail: ernest.medina@usafa.edu

There are other ways to get involved, if you would like to help and can't attend on December 12. You can sponsor a wreath, or, spread the word to other individuals and businesses.

Around the Web

In Colorado cemetery news, problems in record keeping burden Olathe's cemetery.

An interesting technological tombstone development in Russia: Digital Tombstones

In a recession, any way to add a unique service can help with business. This funeral home lets you send chocolate to grieving family members.

Keeping a cemetery preserved takes a community.

Preserving and excavating an old Africa-American cemetery takes time and delicate work.

Any cemetery can face the scandel of improper burials, evenArlington National Cemetery.

Find us in Facebook!

More pictures! More discussion! More cemeteries! Introducing a new way to keep up with all the Colorado-Cemeteries.com news, and even talk about the site with other "fans."

Missed an Issue?

Don't fret! All the issues of Grave News can be found online at: http://www.colorado-cemeteries.com/Grave_News-backissues.html