Letters: A return to the older form of memorials would be befitting

I have been to many cemeteries. One learns much about a town, such as its age.

The interesting fact is that the older graves or cairns located up on the western hillside in Crescent City are so very much more appropriate. Some of these date back to the late 19th century as a date of passing from life.

These gravestones are most obviously crafted by hand, out of some form of rock. Some have stood for over a century. They stand vertical and upright, and there is often a large area, 15 feet by 5 feet, for one deceased; or if it's a family gravesite, larger with a cement border. It says, "We were here, we lived, and now are no more; do not forget us."

The upright slabs are a dark black, as is appropriate.

One sees places of origin such as Finland, Denmark and New York, and one wonders how hard it must have been to travel all this distance in the mid- to late-1800s with no cars or planes. How different Crescent City must have appeared then.

In contrast, the "current" or "modern" gravesites are lower down. They are flat, horizontal, small, prefabricated, machine-made. There is perhaps a meter betwixt and between each grave. They are almost identical, like a row of pre-fabricated homes.

Of course the bereaved, those who cared for the deceased, are no less or more injured, at a loss for their loved ones. The family and friends are as confused or angry or whatever mixture of emotions they have, as ever. The people have not changed.

It is this author's opinion that a return to the older form of memorials would be more befitting for the deceased, as well as those who come to mourn over the years at the cairn.

Do you agree with me? Do you know of any artisans or craftsmen who know how to chisel a rock by hand in this area? Go examine for yourself!

Joseph Brauner

Crescent City