Letter: Epitaphs ancient and modern
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: How sad that petty restrictions have turned the burial of an old man into such an upsetting and embittered time for his family ('Family could exhume body in row over gravestones', 10 August).
Perhaps we should learn from other European countries which have a different attitude to what is correct in cemeteries. On a holiday in the Bernese Oberland, I saw in the local churchyards many headstones that were simply large pieces of roughly hewn rock. On these were carved a variety of designs and inscriptions - mountain trains, helicopters, farm animals, hay rakes - indicating the occupation of the deceased. Saddest of all, ropes, boots and alpenstocks on the headstones of those who had died in the mountains.
The variety and personalised nature of the inscriptions and design of the headstones reflected the lifestyle of these mountain dwellers - adding to the dignity and poignancy of their last resting place.
Yours faithfully,
NORA A. DAVIES
Pontarddulais, West Glamorgan
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments